
Glass. 



CENTEffllAL ADDEESS, 



BY 



DAVID D. FIELD, D. D. 



WITH HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 
CROMWELL, PORTLAND, CHATHAM, MIDDLE-HADDAM. 

MIDDLETOWN AND ITS PARISHES. 




MIDDLETOWN, CONN.: 
WILLIAM B. CASEY. 

1853. 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1853, by 

Willi A.M B. Casey, 
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut. 



MID?0LpTOWN : 
UrWS AND ADVERTISER PRINT. 

1853. 



, N^rv \ 



I^v^' 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESS 



AND 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



CONTENTS. 



page. 

Dr. Casey's Address, 13. 

Dr.Field's " 29. 

Pequot War, 29. 

Settlement of the town, 34. 

Indian Grave Yards, 36. 

Pokatapaug Pond, 37. 

Meeting House built, 38. 

Surveys and Grants, 39. 

Early Settlers, 39. 

First Householders, 41. 

Settlement of Upper Houses, 42, 

" of Middlefield, 43. 

" of Middle Haddam, 43. 

Ship building, 44. 

Character of Settlers, 47. . 

West India trade, 62. 

Resolves of the town on the passage of the Boston Port Bill, 65. 

Raising troops and supplies, 68. 

Capture of Ticonderoga, 70. 

Governor Franklin, (Tory) 72. 

Standing Militia, 74, 

Captain Meigs, 80. 

Capture at Sag Harbor, 81. 

General Parsons, 84, 

Nehemiah Hubbard, 86. 

Captain Pratt, 87. 

Dr. John Osborne, 90. 

Titus Hosmer, 96. 

Samuel W. Dana, « 99. 

Asher Miller, 100. 

Stephen T. Hosmer, 101» 

Richard and John Alsop, 107. 

Capt. Partridge's Academy, 108. 

Wesleyan University, 110. 

Commodore MacDonough, 112, 

Battle of Lake Champiain, 114. 

Middletown Manafactories, 123. 

Indian Deed, 137. 



IV CONTENTS. 

page- 

Origin of Early Settlers, 143. 

Societies (Ecelcsiastical,) 151. 

Lead 31ine, 159. 

Fcklspav Qiiai \y, 161. 

First Congregational Church, 163. 

South Congregational Church, 168. 

Episcopal Cliurch, - 174. 

Baptist Church 178. 

Methodist E. Church, 180, 

Universalist Church, ^ • • .183. 

Eoman Catholic, ISl* 

Middlelkld, 186. 

WestfiekL 192. 

Physicians in Middlctown, 196. 

Obituary of Dr. T. Miner, 200. 

of Dr. H. Woodward, 203. 

Lawyers in Middlctown, 205. 

Means of Education, 214. 

Graduates from ]Middletown, . .-. 219. 

Newspapers in Middlctown, 226. 

Lists of OflBcers, dtc 228. 

Banks and Probate, , .231. 

Post OfiQco and Custom House, » 234. 

Sketch of Cromwell, 235. 

Friendly Association, 245. 

Academy, 246. 

Physicians in Cromwell, ^47. 

Graduates from Cromwell, 249. 

Sketch of Portland, 253. 

Physicians, 258. 

Lawyers, 259. 

Quarries, 261. 

Sketch of Chatham,. 267. 

Grant to Gov. Winthrop, 273. 

Governor's Gold Ring, f 274. 

Cobalt Mine, 275. 

Physicians in IMiddle lladdam, 278. 

Sketch of East Hampton, 283. 

Middlctown Deputies to the General Court, 284. 

Representatives from Chatham, ^ 292. 

" " Portland, 295. 



Hartford, July 15, 1850. 
My Dear Sir : 

I have postponed, until this time, my final reply to the invita- 
tion received from yourself and the other gentlemen of the Com- 
mittee for that purpose, to deliver an address at the ensuing 
Centennial Celebration of the settlement of Middletovfn, in 
hopes that I should find myself able to comply with your request, 
"but I have ascertained that the arrangement of the terms of the 
courts during the Summer and Fall will not allow me the leisure 
necessary for a suitable preparation for the service to which you 
have invited me ; and I am therefore under the necessity, (re- 
luctantly for the reasons mentioned in my last interview,) of 
declining its performance. 

Grateful for the compliment implied in the invitation of the 

committee, I am, with sincere regard, yours, 

Wm. L. STORRS. 
To John Johnston, Esq., Middletown, Ct. 



New Haven, Nov. 8th., 1850. 
Wm. B. Casey, M. D. 

Chairman Committee of Arrangements. 
Dear Sir : 

I received some days since, your favor of the 4th, conveying 
to me from the Committee of Arrangements for the Centennial 
Anniversary, an invitation to be present and to share in the ex- 
ercises of the celebration. 

I have delayed my answer in the hope that I should be able 
to say jDOsitively that I would come. It is still, however, so un- 
certain whethermy engagements willadmit of my coming, that 
it will not be safe to depend on me tor any active share in the 
work of the day, or for being in Middletown, in the body at all, 

I say this very unwillingly, for I do not know of any other ap- 
pointment of the kind which it would give me so much pleasure 
to make and fulfill. I am respectfully, yours, 

Wm. H. RUSSELL. 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



The Second Centennial Anniversary of Middletown^ 
should have been celebrated in October 1850 ; but owing 
to the infirm health of Rev. Dr. Field, who delivered 
the Address on that occasion, it was deferred until No- 
vember. At a meeting of the citizens of Middletown 
held in July 1850, at which Doct, Wm. B. Casey, then 
Mayor of the City, presided, a Committee was appointed 
to make arrangements for the approaching Anniversary, 
which Committee was constituted as follows : 

Wm. B. Casey, Ex-Officio Chairman. 

Prof. John Johnston, 
*- DocT. Chas. Woodward, 
"■ DocT. J. Barratt, 

Frederick Hall, Esq., Portland* 

Hon. John Stewart, Chatham. 

Asa Hubbard, Esq., South Farms. 

Edward Savage, Esq., Cro7nweU. 
Invitations were sent to Hon. W. L. Storrs, now of 
Hartford, Judge of Superior Court ; To Wm. H. Rus- 
sell, Esq., of New Haven, and other gentlemen, natives 
of the Town, inviting their presence and assistance on 
the occasion of the Anniversary, but their engagements 
were of such a nature, as to prevent their acceptance of 
the invitation. Their letters are herewith subjoined. 



8 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS, 

Rev. Dr. Field having finally notified the Committee 
of his improved health, and ability to discharge the du- 
ties of his appointment, the 13th day of November Avas 
fixed upon as the time for holding the celebration, a.nd 
notice given accordingly. Mr. Russell's letter informing 
the Committee of his inability to attend and participate 
in the exercises of the day, having been received at so 
late a date, that it was impossible to provide a substitute, 
the duty of supplying his place, so far as might be, de- 
volved upon Doct. Casey, the Chairman of the Commit- 
tee, and he accordingly prepared a short introductory 
Address, a copy of which is printed in the following 
pages. 

An Ode, hastily written for the occasion by one of our 
townsmen, was set to Music by Mr. John Porter, and 
effectively sung by the Choir of the North Church. 

In conclusion, the Committee would remark, that it 
was extremely doubtful for some time, owing to Dr. 
Field's state of health, whether the celebration would be 
held at all ; and therefore the preparations and arrange- 
ments for the occasion were suspended. Consequently, 
when the Committee received notice from Dr. Field that 
he was ready to fulfill his appointment, there was but 
little time, before cold weather, in which to make the 
necessary preparations. 

The doings of tlie day, and the order of exercises, 
were described in the Daily News, a small paper just 
started, and from that we copy an account of the pro- 
ceedings. 



Cnitemiid Cdtkation 



OF 



MIDDLETOWN. 



The celebration of the second Centennial Anniversa- 
ry of the settlement of Middletown took place in the city 
of Middletown, Nov. 13th, 1850, and the condition of 
the notification in regard to the favorableness of the 
weather proved to be quite unnecessary, as it was one of 
the most pleasant days with which this remarkably geni- 
al fall season has been crowded. At the hour appointed, 
considerable numbers of our citizens and visitors from the 
neighboring towns, assembled in the vicinity of the Post 
Office to witness the forming of the procession. At half 
past ten o'clock, a walking organization was effected un- 
der the direction of John N. Camp, Marshal of the day. 
The following was the arrangement of the column : 

The excellent Brass Band from New Haven. 

The Mansfield Guards under the command of Gen. E. 
W. N. Starr, (a very thoroughly drilled company, and as 
gentlemanly, as it is military in its appearance.) 

The Committee of Arrangements. 

The Rev. Dr. Field, the Orator of the day, (and 
whose external personality is said strongly to resemble 
that of Ex-Minister Guizot.) 



10 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, 

Tlic Rev. Clergy of the city and vicinity. 

The City Fathers, 

Invited Guests. 

The Faculty and Students of Wesleyan University, 

Members of the Friendly Association of Cromwell. 

St. John's Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, 
(whose charter, we think, dates back as far as 1787.) 

Central Lodge, No. 12, Independent Order of Odd 
•Fellows. 

Sons of Temperance, from the Mattabesett and Ma- 
mooson Divisions, decorated in simple white. 

Putnam Chapter of the Order of United Americans^ 
(with a very tasteful regalia.) 

Town Officers and Citizens. 

The Procession was formed in front of the North 
Churchj and proceeded on its march up Main to Wash- 
ington, thence to High, thence to Church, thence again 
through Main street, to the North Church. The exer- 
cises in the Church were introduced by music from the 
NcAY Haven Band. A very appropriate prayer was 
offered by the Rev. Dr. Crane, the senior resident set- 
tled clergyman, and pastor of the oldest congregation in 
the city. Dr. Wm. B. Casey, Chairman of the Com- 
mittee of Arrangements, made a few pertinent remarks ^ 
in which he took occasion to remind us of some of our 
advantages and wants. The choir of the North Church 
then sung, in a very chaste and effective manner, the 
following 



CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 11 

ODE. 

Two Hundred Years ago here, and Autumn leaves were fulling, 
And the woods to woods were calling here. Two Hundred Years 

ago ; 
And their roaring sounds like thunder, made the forest seekers 

wonder, 
When stirred by blasts of Autumn winds, Two Hundred Years 

ago. 

Two Hundred Years ago, there were Indian footsteps roaming 
O'er the hills, they heard them coming here. Two Hundred Years 

ago; 
They were from our Western Mountains, they 'd been quaffing 

at the fountains, 
And were wending hither homeward here. Two Hundred Years 

ago. 

Two Hundred Years ago here, the deer were wildly bounding, 
And the partridge wing-drum sounding here, Two Hundred 

Years ago; 
On the tree-tops gaily prancing, was the merry squirrel dancing, 
At his prey the wolf was glancing, here, Two Hundred Years ago. 

Two Hundred Years ago, here, there flowed a noble river, 
And its finny tribes were sporting here, Two Hundred Years ago ; 
And like God, the glorious giver, this same water faileth never, 
But is passing now as ever here. Two Hundred Years ago. 

Two Hundred Years ago, here, the Red Man broke his arrow 
And his bow in silent sorrow here, Two Hundred Years ago. 
And he left his Fathers buried here, and shrunk his heart in 

silence there. 
And the White Man ploughed their graves here, Two Hundred 

Years ago. 

1* 



12 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, 

The Rev. Dr. Field, of Higganum, gave a character- 
istic Address, interesting, in the main, for its historical 
facts and reminiscences. 

The Church, we believe, was filled to the extent of its 
capacity with an apparently interested audience ; and 
we doubt not the occasion will be long held, by all who 
were present, in pleasing remembrance. The Band per- 
mitted us to depart under the touching strains of Jiuld 
Lang Syne. 

The celebration is over. Hereafter let it be remem- 
bered that Middletown is a matron with the weight of 
Two Hundred Years upon her brow. May Heaven 
watch over her, and her children forever. 

Our City, in the evening, presented a very brilliant ap- 
pearance. Many of the stores, public buildings and 
private dwellings were splendidly illuminated, by way of 
a finishing up of the Centennial Celebration. 

The side-walks, of course, were somewhat thronged 
with observing and happy promenaders. With modest 
bonfires, burning balls, and intrusive fire-crackers, and 
an occasional adventurous sky-rocket, and the unrevolv- 
ing lights of the windows, the crowd appeared to be well 
entertained. 

This celebration, on the whole, which was anticipated 
with but little interest by not a few, has passed off in a 
commendable manner. Enthusiasm is sometimes of a 
slow growth. Imagine that "an hundred years are gone," 
and give us another demonstration to-mori'ow, and the 
thing shall be done up in a manner entirely satisfactory. 



ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY. 



An interesting and important occasion has this day 
called us together. We have assembled within these 
walls to celebrate the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the 
settlement of our town. Yes, two hundred years have 
passed, since first the white man here took up his abode. 
What thronging fancies crowd upon the mind as it wan- 
ders back over this vista of years, and pictures to itself 
the long series of incidents and changes, extending 
throughout this period. Let us indulge ourselves with 
the retrospect. I do not intend to trespass far upon the 
province of my venerable and learned friend, who is to 
address you this day, nor will I detain you long from the 
pleasure, which his rich and matured production will 
aiford. As Chairman of the Committeee of Arrange- 
ments, it devolved upon me to make some introductory re- 
marks, and I have therefore hastily thrown together a 
few crude and unconnected reflections, which have occur- 
red to me in the midst of absorbing professional duties ; 
and merely regretting that the task had not been com- 
mitted to abler hands, I proceed to dischai-ge its require- 
ments. 

In the year 1650, this fair and beautiful town, (then 
lying on both sides of the river, and embracing within 
its limits the present townships of Portland and Chat- 



14 ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY. 

bam,) was little better tban a wilderness, inbabited sole- 
ly by tbe wild red man, and by beasts of prey, scarcely 
more savage tban the natives wbo pursued them in the 
chase. The hills w'ere clothed with dense forests, and the 
valleys and plains, covered with the rank luxuriance of 
the native plants and grasses, save here and there a spot 
under tillage, which glistened and rejoiced with its bur- 
den of maize. From no hospitable chimney the smoke 
ascended up to heaven, or spread its cloud over the land- 
scape. The adventurous sons of the Pilgrims, who 
travelled hitherward, might have caught sight of the thin 
wreath of blue vapor, which curled lightly upw^ard from 
the wigwam of the Sachem, or the council fire of his 
chiefs. They might have heard from afar off the wild 
yells and the shrill whoops of the braves, as they enga- 
ged in the war dance, meditating, it may be, even then, 
the destruction of the pale faces, of whose approach they 
were doubtless aware ; or perhaps, they might have paus- 
ed in their journey and listened with wondering and not 
unfearful attention to the wild dirge of the women, mourn- 
ing the departure of some loved one, in their plaintive 
and wailing death-song. No wdiite sail gleamed through 
the trees that skirted the banks of our beautiful river ; 
and no keel parted its gentle waves ; nought ruffled its 
surface, save the frail birchen canoe, which danced light- 
ly over its w^aters, scarce leavmg a ripple in its wake. 
Here and there dusky forms glided about with stealthy 
and noiseless tread ; and anon came upon the ear the 
shrill laughter of Indian boys and maidens, engaged in 
their primitive sports. Such was the state of things at 
the advent of our forefathers : a few years passed, and 
then there might be seen by the sides of the Sebethe, an 
occasional rude hut or log house, with its little clearing, 
and the more substantial fortress or block-house, which 



ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY. 15 

the early settlers invariably built, as a place of refuge 
from the murderous attacks of their savage neighbors ; 
and noAV, too, began to appear the fruits of advancing 
civilization. The forests bowed beneath the vigorous 
blows of the sturdy axe-men, and the sunlight glanced 
upon earth that for years had not felt its summer rays ; 
rich fields of waving grain rose in its season ; the varied 
sounds of busy industry were heard, blended Avith the 
songs of praise and thanksgiving, which pealed from the 
lips, aye and the hearts, of our pious forefathers ; for 
they failed not to worship the Being who had led them 
hither, though their meeting house had to be surrounded 
by high palisades, and sentries with loaded muskets kept 
watch and ward at its entrance. In some places, the 
picture we have sketched was tinted with darker hues ; 
quarrels and conflicts were not wanting, and the terrible 
war-whoop of the savage sometimes burst fortli, startling 
from their midnight slumbers the early inliabitants, who 
considered themselves abundantly fortunate to escape 
with life from their burning dwellings, and find safety 
and refuge in the fortress. Then followed retaliation, 
and the helpless women and children of the natives were 
occasionally involved in the punishment dealt out, un- 
sparingly, by the murderous rifle and musket. Such 
events, however, were exceedingly rare in the early his- 
tory of our own place ; few, or no feuds existing between 
our pioneers and their Indian neighbors. But the red 
race was doomed, and its inevitable destiny was to fade 
before the white ; in vain with desperate courage, they 
essayed to stem the tide which was slowly, but surely, 
bearing them down. With all their bravery, their 
strength, and their cunning, they could not resist the cur- 
rent which swept them awa}^ Here and there a scatter- 
ed handful obstinately maintained their ground for a brief 



IG ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY. 

period, but they too were forced at last to abandon the 
contest and the fiekl, and then* dearly loved huntmg 
grounds passed forever from their possession. The smoke 
was no more seen floating from their huts ; their war-whoop 
no longer startled the ear ; their council fires have long 
smce died out, and their very bones are disturbed from 
their resting place to make room for the white man's in- 
vention. And in our day, as you all know, the strong 
hold of their most powerful Sachem, is dedicated to the 
sacred object of receivmg the remains of those who have 
descended from the very pioneers, whose advent that Sa- 
chem witnessed. But time rolls on, and noAV on either 
bank of the river and at some distance from it, there are 
scattered about houses of goodly size, at least, if not 
pleasingly shaped and proportioned ; meeting houses 
and school houses too, occur, as you travel along the 
beaten paths which at this time traversed the country — 
and vessels of considerable size are not wanting to add 
attraction to the river scenery. Everywhere are evi- 
dent the signs of peace and prosperity. Alas, that they 
should be so soon interrupted. 

Something over a century had passed, when the sound 
^ of war is again heard through the land, and the earth 
trembles beneath the tread of marching columns and 
lumbering artillery ; the fierce rattle of musketry and 
the heavy booming of cannon in diiferent quarters, an- 
nounce the impendhig conflict. It is not now a contest 
between different races, but brother meets brother in the 
Id of strife, and the blood of hostile kindred and 
eighbors is mingled upon the plain. Drawn from their 
quiet homes and peaceful occupations, our ancestors 
shouldered their muskets, and hastened at the call of 
their country, to meet and resist that country's oppres- 
sors. Bravely they bore themselves in the various bat- 



^^^le 



ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY. 17 

ties, and stoutly they endured and went through the 
hard trials and struggles of the Revolutionary period ; 
and no better soldiers served through those campaigiis 
than the troops of Connecticut. But the war at last is 
ended, and those brave men return to their homes, and 
resume their accustomed toil ; the sword is exchanged for 
the plough-share, and the bayonet for the sickle, and 
again the tide of prosperity sets onward ; and gradually 
but steadily our town increased in extent and popula- 
tion ; numerous ships and smaller craft were built at 
our wharves ; manufactories of various kinds were es- 
tablished and put in operation ; persons of wealth and dis- 
tinction here sought a home, and Middletown was known 
far and wide, as a beautiful and thriving place. But 
once again the note of preparation is sounded ; our for- 
mer enemy has made new aggressions, and ever ready 
at the call of duty, our town furnishes its quota of men 
and means. Many a battle witnessed the good conduct 
of our townsmen, and Lake Champlain added its crown- 
ing glory ; for the result of that engagement immortal- 
ized the gallant commander, whose name and whose de- 
scendants yet live amongst us. 

Turn we however from war and its praises. A spe^Iy 
peace having been wrested from our antagonists, its re- 
sults are quickly apparent, and once more we are engaged 
in those pursuits and occupations more congenial to our 
taste. It is unnecessary for me to dwell upon the period 
succeeding the war of 1812, as most of those now before 
me are familiar with its history. I pass rapidly by it, 
merely remarking that the town remained nearly sta- 
tionary. During this time, however, was established the 
Military Academy, which was the nursery of many who 
have since been distinguished in the different pursuits 
and occupations of life. It may be proper to allude 



IB ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY. 

again in this connection to military matters, for the pur- 
pose of reminding you, that our place was, as before, 
well and ably represented on the fields and waters of 
Mexico, wherever and whenever there was need of effi- 
cient service. 

We are brought now in the course of events, to the 
present point of time, respecting which I design briefly 
to ofler a few observations, which, I trust, will not be 
deemed out of place on this occasion. Further, I claim 
your respectful attention, not on account of their own 
intrinsic excellence or profundity, but because they con- 
cern us all, as inhabitants of the place, and consequently 
participators in its fortunes and reputation. We seem 
to have reached a stopping place, and I fear, are in some 
danger of paralysis, even if not threatened with decline. 
Let us briefly inquire into our condition. 

On most accounts we have reason to be proud of our 
town. Blessed with all the advantages of nature and 
art ; with a fertile soil and salubrious climate, easily ac- 
cessible by land and water, and delightfully situated, 
the Sun in his daily circuit shines on no lovelier place 
than our own. Washed along its eastern border by the 
' long' and beautiful river, and embraced on the west 
by a chain of picturesque hills ; serried in every direc- 
tion by rivulets, that afibrd an abundance of manufac- 
turing power ; from every valley, and from almost every 
hill side there goes up unceasingly the sound of indus- 
try and activity. The seat of an excellent Literary In- 
stitution ; abundantly provided with Schools and Church- 
es ; the earth in most places yielding a rich increase ; 
the very rocks furnishing a source of wealth, — ^what 
can we want more, to fill our cup with blessings '? Our 
townsmen are heard of and known in all quarters of tlie 
globe ; they may be found in the golden mountains of 



AlDDlRESS OF DH. CASEY. 19 

California, and in the frozen seas of the Arctic Circle ; 
tiiey have visited the Celestial Empire, and sipped their 
tea in its native gardens. In benighted Africa you will 
find them, engaged in their labors of love and benevo- 
lence ; amid the ruins of Central America they have 
left their traces ; they have sailed up the Nile, and stood 
upon the top of the Pyramids ; and it is told, though 
the account may be somewhat apochryphal, that they 
have opened a house of refreshment on the track through 
the Great Desert ! In short, wherever the stars and the 
stripes have been unfolded to the breeze, there have some 
of our adventurous brethren been present, to salute the 
flag. They have graced the saloons of the noble and 
the wealthy in other lands, and have given high character 
to the national Councils of our own. The products 
of their talents, ingenuity and industry, have found their 
way wherever cisdlization has entered ; and the very 
heathen have had reason to bless the existence of our 
people. Do we lack any thing, then, it may be asked, 
which would alike contribute to our happiness, and 
advance our prosperity '? Bear with me a moment, while 
I enumerate a few requisites, yet wanting, to perfect the 
character of our town. And first, we want more public 
spirit ; that feeling, which induces individuals to sacrifice 
some merely personal or local interest, for the promotion 
of the general good. More liberality of sentiment, and 
action too, which after all is the true secret of advance- 
ment. More enthusiasm, more union and harmony, on 
all matters of public interest and welfare. We want, 
moreover, to get rid of various little local and sectional 
jealousies, which detract from our character, and place 
obstacles in the way of our improvement. We want a 
more lively faith in the indisputable fact, that what is 
for the benefit of one portion or class of our citizens, ex- 

2 



20 ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY. 

tends its beneficial influence throughout the whole com- 
munity. We want also, somewhat more of reverence for 
age and antiquity. One of the great characteristics of 
the present generation is a fondness for novelty, and un- 
questionably this is often a useful stimulus ; but in grasp- 
ing after and adopting everything that is new, let us not 
on that account, affect to despise everything that is old. 
Hundreds of years ago, the Hebrew sage asserted that 
there was nothing new under the sun ; and if we are not 
disposed to receive this as a literal verity, we must 
nevertheless acknowledge, that human affairs move very 
much in circles ; what, years ago, was at the bottom of 
the wheel and almost forgotten, again comes to the top, 
and with a new dress and a different name, is eagerly 
run after as something entirely new. Now, one great 
effect of such celebrations as the present, is to draw off 
the mind from a too eager pursuit of novelty, and by 
carrying us back a century or two, to make us sensible of 
the fact, that every thing before and around us, is not our 
own work, and due to our own exertions, and did not all 
at once start into perfection, but was the slow growth of 
ao-es, and only attained after much toil and suffering. 
Let us not speak lightly then, but rather v^ith reverence 
and respect of our forefathers ; let us remember how 
much they had to encounter, upon their entrance into this 
now highly favored place ; and let the contemplation of 
its past history diminish our self-complacency, while it 
enlarges our views, and stimulates us to greater and 
more united exertions. 

There are many other advantages arising from these 
celebrations, which I will barely allude to. They encour- 
age a love of home : by increasing its attraction, they draw 
back the wanderer to his birth-place, and quiet in a meas- 
ure that restless spirit of change, which is somewhat too 



ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY. 21 

striking a feature of the New England character. They 
revive old and pleasing associations, and brighten the 
chain of past friendships, which time's rust had well nigh 
severed. They foster a spirit of enquiry and investiga- 
tion ; they add to our stores of knowledge, by leading to 
the collection of historical facts, many of them perhaps 
just on the point of being lost forever ; they serve as con- 
necting links between different ages and periods, and as 
landmarks, by which future generations can trace back 
their progress from infancy to maturity. 

They change the current of our feelings, running per- 
haps too strongly upon the perishable things of earth — 
they elevate the mind above the mere present, and carry 
the thoughts far forward beyond its fleeting limits ; for 
in the faithful mirror of the past, we see, as it were, 
ourselves projected into the future, and can infer from 
the reflection there presented, the estimation in which 
coming ages will hold the now existing race. They thus 
serve as a medium of comparison, by which vf e should not 
only learn to judge, but also to improve ourselves ; and 
the result of this voluntary self-examination, when care- 
fully and candidly instituted, must diminish our self-es- 
teem and expand our charity. 

What can be more delightful, what more beneficial, 
than the re-unions effected by such occasions, as that 
which has this day brought us together ! 

Every county, nay, every town in New England, may 
be considered as a nursery, wherein are reared those in- 
dividuals, whose genius, talents, and virtues, have so 
strongly impressed their characteristics upon the whole 
American people. Acquiring the rudiments of educa- 
tion in the district schools of their native places ; improv- 
ing their minds, and their powers, by the steady, but 
varied use of every faculty ; with habits of industry and 



22 ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY. 

keen observation, and great facility of adapting them- 
selves to almost any situation and circumstances, in which 
they may be placed, they leave the paternal roof, and 
spread themselves over the length and breadth of the 
country, in search of a wider field for the exercise of 
their talents,, or in the hope of more speedily acquiring 
the means of indulging their tastes and fancies. You 
will find them everywhere ; engaged in every variety of 
occupation, 9Jid filling every kind and degree of private 
and official statioiii. 

They teach our schools — they edit our papers — they 
navigate our ships — they extend our commerce abroad, 
and our trade at home — they regulate our time — and 
they make our laws. In the workshop, the counting 
house, or the legislative hall, they are equally at home.. 
From them chiefly, are recruited the ranks of the vari- 
ous professions ; and when you hear of any one in either 
of them, who has acheived a lofty and commanding repu- 
tation, or who has distinguished himself by any particu- 
lar excellence, you may be almost certain, that man is a 
Yankee. 

The course of time rolls on, and year after year adds 
to the number of expatriated New Englanders. Think 
you, that during all this time, their hearts have not 
yearned.^ again to behold their birth places, and once 
more to revisit the scenes of their childhood and early 
associations'? Think you, they do not often infancy, 
play over their youthful sports upon their native village 
green, and tread again the well-remembered roads and 
paths, through which their youthful feet so often strayed 1 
Think you they do not recall to mind their former play- 
mates and associates, and ardently long for some occa- 
sion, which should revive those friendships, and restore 
those early days % Aye,, do they : and right gladly audi 



ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY. 2S 

promptly do they obey the summons, and embrace the 
opportunity, which such a celebration as the present fur- 
nishes them. Joyfully they hasten to the old home, and 
heartily they greet their early companions ; and through 
many a year afterwards, will memory love to linger up- 
on this happy meeting ; and in many an hour hereafter, 
amid the cares of business, the whirl of pleasure, or in 
the intervals of engrossing occupations, will such a scene, 
and such an occasion come back to the mind, soothing 
its perplexities, alleviating its sorrows, and refining its 
enjoyments. Like an oasis in the desert, will it S€rve 
not only for present delight, but as a perpetual theme 
for grateful recollection ; and not until the shades of 
life's evening gather around them, and the palsying hand 
of decay obscures their failing faculties, will they cease 
to remember, or be thankful for, the privilege which 
you have this day enjoyed. 

Few, or none of those now before me, it may safely be 
said, will ever witness the return of another Centennial 
Anniversary ; but a hundred years hence, your children, 
and your children's children will celebrate it, doubtless, 
on a scale of magnificence, of which, we who are here, 
can now form no conception. Instead of the hundreds, 
who have this day assembled together, to do honor to the 
occasion, there will be thousands and tens of thousands, 
gathered within some vast and spacious edifice, to listen 
to the history of their forefathers' advent. The now 
quiet little place which is our residence, will then, per- 
haps, be transformed into an extensive and busy city, and 
from its lofty mansions and comfortable dwellings, will 
pour out a countless multitude, all animated with the 
zeal and spirit which such an occasion should call forth. 
From all quarters of this wide-spread and mighty conti- 
nent, will be collected the descendants of those now on 
2^ 



24 ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY. 

the stage, and those vfho have preceeded them. From 
the South and the West, aye, even from the very borders 
of the Pacific Ocean, it may be, will the iron horse speed 
them to the land where their first breath was drawn. And 
here, where we are now making this humble endeavor to 
cherish and preserve the memory of our simple hearted, 
but earnest and persevering ancestors, and to perpetuate 
the record of their trials, and struggles, and sufiermgs, 
will another generation perform the same pious and grate- 
ful duty for us. Then, when w^e are " sleeping that 
sleep which knows no waking ;" when our bones shall 
have mouldered into dust, and our ashes lie mingled with 
those of our predecessors ; when our very names shall be 
old ; then, 1 say, will those, our descendants, turn with 
pride and gratitude, to the printed record of this day's 
proceedings, and rejoice that this, our feeble attempt at 
the commemoration of Middletown's nativity, was not suf- 
fered utterly to fail ; that the facts, which, for this occa- 
sion have been gathered, and garnered up with so much 
care and patient research, were rescued from the obscurity 
which was fast enshrouding them, and snatched from an 
oblivion, which would, ere long, have been irretrievable 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS 



DELIVERED AT THE 

SECOND CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY 

IN THE 

CITY OF MIDDLETOWN, CONN., 

November 13, 1850, 
By DAVID D. FIELD. 



Had the author of the following Address, when requested to 
deliver it, foreseen the sufferings before him from a long and 
distressing rheumatic affection, prudence would have prevented 
the undertaking ; and after it was delivered, and a copy request- 
ed for publication, all attempts to prepare one with so many and 
long notes as were deemed desirable to accompany it. His error 
was, that he flattered himself with the hope of a speedy recovery, 
and so has occasioned disappointment and long delay. But now 
that the work is about to be put to press, he feels it a privilege 
to express his gratitude to God, for restoring him, in a good de- 
gree, to health ; to the Committee, and his numerous friends in 
Middletown and vicinity, for their patient waiting, and help, in 
many instances, in furnishing him with facts. Should the work 
contribute to help them and their children to keep in remem- 
brance the privations and hardships, the zeal and piety of their 
ancestors, and stimulate them to the imitation of their Christiaii 

virtues, it will be a rich reward. 

D. D. F. 
December. 1851. 



ADDRESS. 



The English Colonists who removed, in 1636, from the 
vicinity of Boston to the townships of Wethersfield, 
Hartford and Windsor, were invited to these places by 
the Indian inhabitants, from the expectation that their 
settlement among them, would be a protection from the 
Mohawks, whose very name was a terror to them on the 
one hand, and from the Pequofs, who were their more 
immediate dread on the other. How well founded was 
their expectation, is attested by the wisdom with which 
the Pequot war was soon undertaken, and the valor and 
success with which it was prosecuted. The destruction 
of these malicious and dangerous enemies was not effect- 
ed fully by the ruin of the Mystic fort, nor by the fight 
immediately after, with Sassacus and his men, as the 
victors were marching to their vessels in Pequot harbor. 
These were sufficient to move the Pequots at the Fort of 
Sassacus, to burn their wigwams and disperse in ramb- 
ling parties; a dispersion, which did not wholly "secure 
them ; for the General Court appointed Capt. Mason, and 
furnished him with men to prosecute the war : some 
forces were sent from Massachusetts for this purpose ; 
and Indians, who had been inimical to the Pequots, wil- 
lingly came forward and assisted in destroying them. 
One of their parties was taken by the Massachusetts 
troops, united with some of the Narraganset Indians. 
Another party crossed Connecticut river, and some Eng- 



30 . ADDRESS oT dh. field* 

li-sh scouts had a skirmish with them on a hill in Say--^ 
brook, whence they fled into a neighboring swamp, from 
which the hill is called Pequot Hill, and the swamp Pe-^ 
quot Swamp, to this day. Their course was near the 
Sound. A few of them were pursued by some English 
soldiers and by some Mohegans, down the eastern shore 
of the harbor west of Guilford Borough. They swam 
across the harbor, but were taken as they ascended the 
opposite bank. Among these w^as a Sachem, whom Un- 
cas shot with an arrow. He cut off his head, and put it 
in the fork of an oak, where the skull remained many 
years. From this transaction the harbor has ever since 
been called Sachem's Head. The fugitives generally 
proceeded to a large swamp in Fairfield, whither they 
were pursued and surrounded ; about 20 were killed and 
180 taken prisoners. By these various attacks and lossesj 
the destruction of the Pequots as a tribe was completed, 
though numbers escaped and fled to the Mohawks. It 
was probably well for the Colonists that these did escape, 
for their melancholy and forlorn condition told that their 
tribe was no more. It told also, what bold and desperate 
fighters those Englishmen were, who had come to Con- 
necticut, and how hazardous it would be for the Mohawks 
to contend with them, and those whom they had under- 
taken to protect. 

The destruction of the Pequot tribe was of the great- 
est importance to the settlement at Saybrook, and to the 
other settlements on Connecticut river. It struck a gen- 
eral terror into the Indians in Connecticut, and beyond it, 
and prevented their rising in great numbers against the 
English, for nearly forty years. It opened fine sites for 
the Colonists on the Sound ; at Guilford, Branford, New 
Haven, Milford, Stratford and Fairfield ; sites which were 
speedily occupied. 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 31 

Between the Pequot war and the war of King Philip, 
settlements in New England were multiplied, and acquir- 
ed strength for the exigences of this long and horrid con- 
tost, in which the Connecticut people, by reason of the 
union of New England Colonies had to bear their part in 
farnishinir men and means ; a union, which, in addition to 
the benefits to the colonies themselves for the time being, 
may have suggested the importance of the union of thir- 
teen colo2iies a century afterward. But though they bose 
their part, they retained the friendsliip of the Connecti- 
cut Indians, and some of them opposed the course of 
Phihp.* 

But why was not Mattabesettf at once settled after 
the Pequot war ? Those who passed down the river saw 
the lands from the banks. But along these were no such 
wide alluvial grounds as there were further up the river, 
nor such flat and clearly arable lands, specially im- 
portant at the time, as appeared in some places on the 
Sound. For a mile or more immediately north of the 
present city, the lands seemed to be too low and wet to 
be drained and converted, even into meadows ; too much 
covered and entangled by thickets to be reclaimed by 
persons in the circumstances of the colonists. They 
Vi-ere regarded doubtless as a dead swamp, as the low 
lands were at the Nooks in the Upper Houses. The 
beauty and richness which strike the eye m the great 
amphitheatre before us did not appear. The river itself 
and its graceful turn eastward, were obscured by im- 
mense trees, which had been striking their roots into the 
banks for ages, and stretching out their branches till they 
drooped in the stream. The cliffs of the Portland stone 



* Trumbull, vol. 1., pp. 368, 9. 
t The Indian name for Midclletown. t.^' 

3 



32 ADDRESS OF DH. FIELD. 

also stood slielvlng and frowning over it. Industry and 
art were needed to remove the primeval forests and let in 
the rays of the sun upon the water and the land, that 
this glorious scenery might be revealed. Numerous sec- 
tions of good lands vrest, and back from the river, had 
not then been examined, probably by any English eye. 

Another cause concurred to prevent an early settle- 
ment. A large Indian tribe existed here, avIio were more 
than suspected of being enemies to the English. Their 
great sachem, Sowheag, had his castle on the higli 
ground, back from the river, in the north part of the 
city, and was able thence to call around him many warri- 
ors, whose wigwams stood thick on both sides of the 
Comiecticut, at points particularly desirable for settle- 
ments. His authority spread over a large territory, over 
the Piquaug or Wethersfield Indians, over a clan on the 
north-western branch of the Little River in Berlin, if he 
had not some right and sway among the Farmington In- 
dians.* In April 1647, some of his Indians had con- 
ducted and aided the Pequots in the excursion which they 
made into Wethersfield, where they killed six men and 
three women, and took two maids captive. Sowheag en- 
tertained the murderers and treated the people of Weth- 
ersfield in a haughty and insulting manner. It seems 
that they had previously offered him some provocation. 

* In the His. Discourso, by Rev. Noah Portcr,,jr., now Professor of 
Moral Philosophy in Yalo College, delivered at Farming.ton in 1840, after 
stating how that largo township was obtained from the Indians, and how 
the title was confirmed by two successive agreements, the first in 1650, and 
the second in 1673, ho observes, that "in 1651 jNIassacope gives a qiutclaim 
deed of all this land, that he was probably a Mattabesett Indian, and with 
his son signs the agreement for valuable considerations and gratification at 
the time of sale." Not satisfied with the " limits as specified in the deed, 
he went out and for himself examined and marked the boundaries." 



ADDKEss OF dh. field. 33 

The General Court Avcre therefore disposed to forgive 
him, and appointed a committee to compromise all diffi- 
culties. But he wholly refused to give up the murder- 
ers, even after the destruction of the Pcquot tribe, and 
continued his outrages against the English. The Court 
therefore, in August, 1639, determined to send one hun- 
dred men there to take the delinquents by force. They 
notified their friends at New Haven of their determina- 
tion, both that they might receive their approbation in 
an undertaking of such general concern, and that they 
might make the necessary arrangements for defending 
themselves. Governor Eaton and his council viewed it 
important the murderers .should be brought to punisli- 
ment ; but in existing circumstances deemed the meas- 
ures proposed inexpedient, and dissuaded the Connecti- 
cut Colony from executing their purpose. In such cir- 
cumstances, it is no wonder that a few English emigrants 
were unwillino* at once to com^e and settle near Sowheat^- 
and his warriors, who had all the lurking places for 
mischief many miles around, especially as those who 
wished to settle in -Connecticut could find good landd 
among the planters above on the river, or in the settle- 
ments which had sprung up on the Sound. 

A settlement however, vras contemplated in Mattabe- 
.sett, before the session of the General Court in October, 
164G ; probably some months before, for on the 30th of 
October in that year, the General Court appointed a Mr. 
Phelps to join a Committee for the planting of Mattabe- 
sett. The Committee already existed. What the en- 
larged Committee did for the accomplishment of the ob- 
ject; how soon and thoroughly they examined the 
grounds, fixed on sites for the beginning of settlements, 
and had the names of persons enrolled, who had engaged 
and were preparing to come and put up dwellings, wc 



34 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. ^ 

are not expressly informed. They do not appear to have 
made rapid progress, for on the 20th of March, 1649-50, 
(1650 according to our mode of dating,) Samuel Smith, 
sen., of Wethersfield, "was appointed a member of the 
Committee in the place of one that would not act. This 
year the settlement is understood to have been commenc- 
ed, but by how many precisely, and in what part of the 
year ve are not informed, for a few of the first pages of 
the Town Recssrds are lost, and others are nearly oblit- 
erated. Few came at first, but a considerable number 
before the close of the next year, for on the 11th of Sep- 
tember, 1651, the General Court " ordered that Matta- 
besett should be a town," and that the inhabitants should 
make choice of one of their number to take the oath of 
Constable. This year too, the town was ordered to be 
rated. In the Autumn '* of 1652 the town was represent- 
ed in the General Court, and in November, 1653, the 
General Court further approved that the name of the 
plantation, commonly called Mattabeseck, should for tim»^ 
to come, be called Middletown." The number of taxa- 
ble persons in 1654, was thirty one. It has been sug- 
gested, that the name of Middletown was given to the 
township, because it lay between the towns up the river 
and Saybrook at its mouth ; but it is far more probablo 
that it wa,s t«^ken from some town in England, for which 
the settlers had a particular regard.. 

Before the oosBmejicement of the settlement, Sowhcag 
had f'iven to Mr. Ilavnes, Governor of Connecticut a 
great part of the township, for which a consideration wa;^ 
given in return. But the Indian title was not wholly ex- 
tinguished until about twelve years after. Then Sow- 
heag having probably deceased, or become imbecile, cer- 
tain chiefs, knowing what he had done, for a further and 
full consideration, gave to Samuel Wyllys and otherp, 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD, 35 

acting in behalf of the town, all the land between Weth- 
ersfield, (then including Glastenbury,) and Haddam," to 
run from the great river the whole breadth east, six 
miles, and from the great river west as far as the Gener- 
al Court of Connecticut had granted the bounds should 
extend ;" a distance which will be noticed as we proceed ; 
excepting a tract on the west side of the river, pre- 
viously laid out to Sawsean to remain his forever, and 
three hundred acrgs reserved for the heirs of Sowheag 
and Mattabesett Indians to be laid out on the east side.* 

When Indians sold lands, they were in the habit of re- 
serving, besides the exclusive right to small definite tracts, 
the right of hunting and fishing where they pleased, and 
of cutting saplings for their simple articles of manufac- 
ture, so that the lands were nearly of as much value to 
them after they were sold as before, until the Colonists 
made very considerable advances in clearing and cultiva- 
tion. Though such reservation is not mentioned in the 
deed of the Indians to Mr. Wyllys and others, the right 
was probably considered as remaining. 

The reservation on the west side of the river was in 
the neighborhood called Nev/field, and up that street the 
Indians had a cemetery previously to the settlement of 
the English among them, with rude monuments placed 
over their dead ; on them were drawn such devices as 
corresponded with their superstitions, and such as they 
were able to prepare with their rude instruments. Some 
of these remained on the ground, or in a stone wall fencing 
it, within the memory of a few persons now living. The 
Aborigines were numerous about the north-west part of 
the city, long after the English settlements began. 

The Little River, where the bridge crosses it from the 
city to Newfield, was the head of navigation for their 

* Note A. 

3* 



36 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

water craft, as they returned from trips up and down the 
Connecticut, loaded with game, peltries and fish. They 
held lands there until 1713. 

The reservation east of the river, was laid out partly 
on Indian Hill, and partly a little eastward of the first 
Congregational Church, built in what is now Portland. — 
This was held by them until 1767, when having dwindled 
to a small number, they sold their right and united with 
the Farmington Indians. . 

At Indian Hill was a famous grave-yard, where in 
some instances, monuments were erected over the graves 
■with inscriptions after the English manner. The early 
chiefs and principal men were doubtless buried on the 
west side of the river. But after the settlement of the 
remnant of the tribe in Portland, some in whose veins 
ran a portion of noble blood, were doubtless buried at 
Indian Hill.* 

Here as elsewhere, they buried their dead sometimes 
in a sitting posture ; and believing that those whom they 
regarded as good men, would have wants and enjoyments 
in a future world corresponding with those possessed 
here, they buried with them for their gratification on their 
way to eternity ,or their enjoyment after their arrival there, 
food, utensils, arms, ornaments and wampum.f 

* The Mohegans it is understood used to visit the Mattabesetts, at 
kast after the collection of the remnant of the tribe in Portland. Thero 
is a tradition that one of the Mohegans, supposed to be a descendant of 
the great Uncas, or Onckous, visilcd them and died among them of the 
small pox. A grave stone vrhich once stood on Indian Hill, not long since 
found, is confirmatory of the tradition ; for on this it is written : *' Here 
lies the body of John Onckous, who died Aug. the 30, 1722, aged 26 years. 

t As specimens of this, the contents of three graves opened in the 
Spring of 1808, may be mentioned— one of a man, and two of children. 
The man was placed sitting, wrapped in a blanket, (which was not entire- 
*j consumed, but upon exposure to the air became as burnt straw); in his 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 6i 

Besides the cemeteries just mentioned, evidences of 
the burial of the natives have been found on the left bank 
of Taylor's Creek, as it enters the Connecticut. Their 
bones have also been found recently, west of the river in 
excavations made for the Branch Railroad from the city. 

The Indians east of the river were sometimes called 
Wongonks or Wongums, but the reservation being for the 
heirs of Sowheag and Mattabesett Indians, those are 
only other names for the same tribe, or a remnant of it. 
A class also that inhabited or frequented the region about 
Pokatapaug Pond in East Hampton, and had a favorite 
place of rendesvous on the principal island which the 
pond incloses, were in all probability Mattabesetts. The 
island * is sometimes said to have been owned by an Irr 

lap were two small brass kettles, probably filled with soup or succotash at 
the time of burial, one of which had sunk down into the other, in which 
were a spoon, knife, phial, and pipe. His arm was extended round the 
kettles, and where the flesh came in contact with the brass, from the elbow 
to the wrist, the fliesh was preserved. In the hand of one of the children 
was found a brass cup of the size of a tea cup, and here again the flesh on 
the fingers was preserved, where they came against the brass. Around 
the wrist was wampum strung on deer skin, and near by, beads supposed 
to have been placed about the neck. In the grave of the other child wa^ 
a copper box containing wampum. 

The Indians like other men, wished to live on earth as long as they 
could, believing as they did in a future state ; and to cure a cold aiid 
many other complaints, they used to stand on a hot stone rolled into a hole 
dug in the earth, until they were brought into a profuse sweat, and then 
plunged into water A lot at Indian Hill is called Hot House lot, because 
it had one of these holes in it. 



* When the water is high, it flows over the middle of this Island and 
makes it two islands It contains about nine acres, though it has been 
reported as much less. On the western side arc steps visible when the 
water is low, supposed to have been laid there by the Natives, for their 
convenience in visiting it. That they were much about the pond is evi- 



^8 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD; 

dian whose name was Tarramiiggus, and tlie name oi 
such an Indian is appended as a witness to the deed of* 
Vvhiicii we haVe sjiOken; He may haVe been the principal 
tnan of the class \ but the deed signed by others, convey^ 
cd to the English this and all their ponds in Middletown, 

In closing these remarks about the Indians, it is but 
simple justice to add, that bad as Sowheag and his men 
were thought to be for a time, it is not known that they 
were unusually troublesome to the English after the settle- 
ment commenced. But they are gone from this region, 
long since extinct as a tribe, and who knoweth that their 
blood runs in the veins of any living creature. 

And now the question arises, who were the first colo- 
nists '? and how did the settlement proceed ? 

In reply to the first question, we are only able to say 
with certainty, such being the defects of the records, who 
were among the early settlers, rather than who were cer- 
tainly the very first. The earliest remaining entry on 
the town books, is dated Feb. 2, 1652 ; and that is a 
vote for building a meeting house. There were people 
enough before, to constitute a little assembly for the wor- 
ship of God, and when neither the season nor the weath- 
er drove them to one of their temporary dwellings or 
shantees, the shade of that vast elm which had stood for 
ages unknown, at the entrance of the old grave yard, was 
their temple. Thus saith tradition. 

The vote for building a meeting-house was speedily ex- 
cuted. The edifice was only twenty feet square, ten 
from sill to plate, and was enclosed with palisades. It 
stood on the open green, (which may have been larger 

dont from the relics of their implements often foimd on the shores. It is 
a fine sheet of water, which white people lovo to visit in summer, both for 
the pleasure of sailing and fishing. 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 39 

than now,) a little west or north-west of the first Englisli 
grave yard. This sufficed the people eighteen years ; 
eight after the second grant of land from tlie Indians. 

From this house some important surveys were made, 
for in March, 1663, the General Court " granted that 
the bounds of Middletown be extended to four miles to 
the south from the meeting-house,^ue miles from the said 
house westward, and three miles from the great river 
eastward." Afterwards the territory was extended east- 
ward three miles more. By this grant we are not to un- 
derstand, however, that the township through its whole 
length from Wethersfield [the part of it now Rocky Hill] 
southward, was to be uniformly five miles in breadth 
west of the Connecticut, and six miles east. The west- 
ern boundary is a north and south line ; so that by this 
course, and the great bend in the river eastward, the 
breadth some part of the distance below the aforesaid 
startmg point, expands to about ten miles. The breadth 
directly opposite, across the river, is much more than six 
miles, though less from Middle Haddam Landing, but 
more than six on an average. 

In January, 1659, the General Court granted to Mid- 
dletown, Wethersfield and Farmington, all the vacant 
lands between their bounds and the bounds of Walling- 
ford, (then including Meriden and Cheshire,) for the pur- 
pose of making a new plantation. This grant covers the 
tract generally now constituting Berlin, to which a small 
section from the north-west corner of Middletown has 
been annexed. ,^ 

As for the early settlers, John Hall, William Cornwall, 
William Smith, Samuel Stocking, Robert Webster, and 
Thomas Wetmore, were settlers in 1652, and settlers 
probably, some or all of them from the beginning. — 
Thomas Allen, Andrew Warner, Nathaniel Bacon, Wil- 



40 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

1iam Markiim, Nathaniel Brown, George Hubbard, Hen- 
ry Cole, Giles Hamlin, George Graves, William and 
Daniel Harris, Thomas Miller, and a man by the name 
of Martin, supposed to be John Martin, were settlers 
early in 1654, and probably earlier ; they may have 
been here as early as the settlers first named. John 
Savage, Samuel Stow, Robert Warner, John Wilcox, 
AVilliam Bloomfield, Matthias Treat and Nathaniel 
White, were early settlers ; and so were persons by the 
name of Cheney, Clements, Bow, Eggleston, Lucas, 
Tappin or Tapping, Turner and some others. 

Most of the very early inhabitants settled in or near 
the city. The largest collection was about the Meeting- 
House Yard, and on the northern end of Main street, 
above Washington street. These were Thomas Allen, 
William Smith, Andrew Warner, Nathaniel Bacon, Wil- 
liam Markham, Nathaniel Brown, Samuel Stow, George 
Hubbard, Thomas Wetmore and John Hall. Others 
settled further south on Main street, several about the 
southern end of it. With these, new colonists were in- 
termingled from time to time. 

A part of the early inhabitants settled in the Upper 
Houses, and almost all tliese erected their dAvellings in 
the lower part of the village, on the street, midway be- 
tween Middlesex Turnpike and the river. These were 
Nathaniel White, Samuel Stocking, George Graves, Rq^ 
bert Webster, Joseph Smith, Daniel Harris, John Mar.. 
tin, John Savage, Thomas R^nney, David Sage, and 
,[ohn Kirby, Between the upper and lower settlements 
intercourse was maintained by u fervy across Little 
Jliver, 

In 16T0 there were only fifty-two house-holders in the 
town, and but thirty-five surnames, those of the same 
surnames beino- srenerallv relatives. These house-liold? 



ACDRESiS OF DR. FIELD. 41 

ei*s liiid come here at different periods^ but it was agreed 
that all should be considered as proprietors ; and as very 
many of the present inhdbitiints have descended from 
thenij and not a few who retain their surnames j it may 
be well to give here the entire catalogue » This is as 
follows': Thomas and Obadiah Allen^ Nathaniel Bacon, 
William Briggs, Alexander Bow, WiUiam Cheney, Jas- 
per Clements, Henry Cole, Samuel and Nathaniel Col- 
lins, William, John and Samuel Cornwall, and William 
Cornwall, jr., George Durant, Samuel Eggleston, Ed- 
ward Porter, John, Richard and Samuel Hall, and John 
Hall, jr., Giles Hamlin, William and Daniel Harris, 
George, Joseph, Daniel and Thomas Hubbard, John 
Hurlburt, Isaac Johnson, John Kir by, Isaac Lane, Wil- 
liam Lucas, Anthony Martin, Thomas Miller, Thomas 
Ranney, David Sage, John Savage, Samuel Stocking, 
Samuel, Thomas and John Stow, James Tappin, Edward 
Turner, John and William Ward, Andrew, Robert, and 
John Warner, Thomas Wetmore, Nathaniel White, and 
John V/ilcox. 

It will be perceived that in this] catalogue, some early 
settlers Avho have been mentioned, do not appear. This 
is true of W^illiam Bloomfield, Nathaniel Brown, 
George Graves, William Markum, John Martin, Wil- 
liam Smith, Joseph Smith, Matthias Treat, and Robert 
Webster. These either removed from the town or died 
before 1670. With two or three exceptions, the fifty- 
two house-holders were, of English extraction. They 
came hither directly from the British Isle, from towns in 
the east part of Massachusetts, or from earlier settled 
towns in Connecticut.* * 

After 1670 the population of the town gradually in- 

* Note B. 



4^ ADDRESS Of dr. FIELO. 

creased, and on the 11th of November, 1679, '' the town 
by vote, agreed to build a new meeting-house, thirty-two 
feet square, and fifteen feet between joints" ; and seems 
to have gone forward the subsequent winter, and made 
preparations for fulfilling their agreement ; but in the 
meanwhile the people in the Upper and Lower Houses, en- 
tertained different views as to the site on which it should 
be raised. In May 1C80, however, they mutually conde- 
scended for peace' sake, and jointly agreed to set it on 
ground which they minutely described. It was south of 
the first meeting-house, on Main street, on the east side 
— but standing in the street — and about opposite what is 
now Liberty Street. In this all the inhabitants worship- 
ped at least twenty-three years, and the greater part of 
them more than thirty -five. 

By the time this was opened for religious worship, Wm. 
Roberts and John Cotton became inhabitants. Solomon 
Atkins, Maybe Barnes, Samuel Bidwell, Daniel Mark- 
ham, Job Payne, William Southmayd, and Comfort 
Starr, not far from this time, became inhabitants also ; 
others settled here at different times. Among those who 
became settlers before the close of the 17th century, were 
Thomas Andrev>'s, James Bennet, Jonathan Gilbert, Ed- 
ward Higbee, Edward Shepherd, and WilHam Sumner, 
John Gill, Richard Goodale, John Stancliff, John Clarke, 
Joseph Rockwell, John Thompson, George Phillips, Abra- 
ham Bartlet, Daniel Prior, and Benjamin Hands, though 
they may have come in an order varying much from that 
in which their names are given. These, with the de- 
scendants of earlier settlers, spread themselves exten- 
sively over the limits of the Lower and Upper Houses. 

The inhabitants of the Upper Houses became so nu- 
merous, that in January, 1703, '' the town agreed they 
might settle a minister and build a meeting-house,, pro- 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 43 

videcl they settled a minister within six, or at most 
twelve months from that time." The Legislature incor- 
porated them as a parish in May following. 

The settlement of MiddleiBeld was begun about 1700, 
and of Westfield about 1720, the settlers being mostly 
from the two first parishes. The former was incorpora- 
ted in October 1744, and the latter in May 1766. 

Though forty rights of land were laid out to the pro- 
prietors on the east side of the river in 1675, (the re- 
maining twelve being laid. out on the west side, in the 
neighborhood called Maromas ; ) though some of these 
rights covered land of a fine quality, on which improve- 
ments were soon made ; though the Wongonk meadows 
early attracted the attention of the people, both in the 
Lower and in the Upper Houses,, only two families are 
known to have lived on the east side of the river before 
1700. Another settler was there about 1703, and there 
were nine or ten settlers in 1710, In May, 1714, thirty 
one persons petitioned for parish privileges most of whoia 
may have been heads of families. From their names it 
is apparent many of them were from the west side of the 
river. The petition was granted and the parish was 
named East Middletown. 

The settlement in Middle Haddam was commenccil 
about 1710, but had a slow growth. In October 1743, 
twenty-six persons, with twelve from Haddam Neck, a 
part of Haddam, petitioned for incorporation as a parish 
and their desires were gratified in May 1749. A smal- 
ler proportion of the settlers here were from the west 
side of the river than in East Middletown, 

The three miles granted to Middletown in 1683, con- 
stitute the parish of East Hampton, and a small section 
attached to Westchester, a parish in the town of Col- 
chester. A long time after this was granted the ques- 
tion arose how it should be divided among the inhabi- 



44 ADDRESS Of DR. FIELD* 

tants ; the proprietors of tbe to^vn, or their representa* 
tives, claiming it wholly, while others insisted upon a 
share, of it as it was given to the town after their fathers 
became settlers. At length this friendly compromise 
was adopted, that it should be divided to the proprietors 
of the town according to their original list, and the list 
of 1714 united, and to others according to the latter 
list only. 

On this tract no settlement was made until 1743, when 
thirty-two persons came into the place, many of whom 
were doubtless heads of families. They were drawn 
thither particularly by the excellent mill-seat at the out- 
let of Pocotopogue Pond, where a forge was established. 
The people were formed into a separate parish in May 
1746. 

Thus the population spread, and five entire local par- 
ishes were formed in the township, and most of a sixth 
before 1750. Westfield, as already stated, was incorpo- 
rated some years later. 

All these were Congregational parishes ; and before 
1750 a Church was organized by inhabitants of the first 
parish of Middletown and Westfield, called a " Strict 
Congregational Church," which as such, years since 
ceased to exist. 

Ship building had become a great -business in East 
Middletown, and had begun to flourish at the landing in 
Middle Haddam before the incorporation of these 
parishes, in connection with East Hampton, as a town, 
in October 1767. The name of Chatham was therefore 
given to it, in allusion to Chatham in England, by rea- 
son of the extent and importance of this branch of in- 
dustry and enterprise. East Middletown became the 
first parish of Chatham. But in 1841 when this parish 
had increased so much in population and business, that 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 45 

it was formed into a separate town, it was necessary it 
should have a new name. Ship building had not ceased, 
but the quarrying business had become the more impor- 
tant concern. The new town therefore was called Port- 
land from Portland in England, whence free stone in 
immense quantities is transported to London and other 
parts of that country, as the free stone from our Port- 
land is carried to New York and other cities and towns 
in the United States. And Avho knows but Middle Had- 
dam landing may so resume ship building and carry it 
on, that the name of Chatham will be very appropriate 
hereafter. The site and population of tlie village favor 
the suggestion, and a few enterprising spirits may carry 
it into execution. Should the manufacturing enterprise 
of East Hampton cast big guns on the site of the old 
" Iron Works," this will render the name still more ap- 
propriate. 

A company are now again zealously working the " Co- 
balt Mine." The probable mineral riches of the hill in 
which this is found, excited the attention of the celebra- 
ted and philosophical John Winthrop, Governor of Con- 
necticut, before there were any settlements in Chatham, 
and the story was that precious discoveries were made. 
It may have engaged the attention of his son, John Fitz 
Winthrop, afterwards Governor. Several companies 
and individuals at diiferent times have collected quanti- 
ties of the ore, and sent it to foreign countries. The 
present company have gone further, and made prepara- 
tion for extracting its contents, and done so to a limited 
extent. Should operations prosper here, as it is hoped 
they will ere long, the Mine will augment the business of 
the landing, and increase the population of the town. 

Reference has just been made to the increase of in- 
habitants in Portland, The United States census now 



40 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

]:>eiiig taken, shows a very considerable increase of popu- 
lation in this place for the last thirty years, and also in 
tlie city of Middletown ; but as a general thing the in- 
crease of population in all the six parishes of which we 
liaye been speaking has been slow. The population of 
what is now Middletown, Portland and Chatham in 1Y56 
was five thousand six hundred and sixty-four ; in 1820, 
sixty-four years afterwards, nine thousand six hundred 
thirty-six ; it is now, thirteen thousand two hundred and 
twenty-one.* Why is it not twice and thrice this num- 
ber 1 The descendants of some of the early settlers, and 
in truth of some of the later settlers, are now very 
numerous. The general reason is, the temptations to 
emigrate have been so many. At first families went oif 
iTom time to time to the newer settlements in Connecticut 
where lands were cheaper, to Western Massachusetts, to 
Vermont, where one of the towns is called Middletown 
after this town, because some of the settlers went from 
this place, and to the borders of New York. They then 
went to Central Ncav York, whither Hugh Wliite, a na- 
tive of the Upper Houses, led the way. He has drawn 
fame after him, because he was the first American who 
ventured beyond the German Flats, to the region of the 
Oneidas, soon after the Revolution, in the Spring of 
1784. The town called Whitcstown, in honor of him, 
at first had jurisdiction over all the western portions of 
the Empire State, bordered south and south-west by 
Pennsylvania, and thence by Lake Eric, Niagara river 
and Ontario. At Mr. White's death, in 1812, the ter- 



* In Middletown there are eight thousand seven hundred and ninety-one 
inhabitants, in the city four thousand two hundred and fifteen, in other 
parts four thousand five hundred and seventy-six ; in Tortland two thou- 
sand nine hundred and five, Chatham one thousand five hundred auci 
twenty-five. 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 47 

ritory had nearly three hundred thousand souls and hag 
many hundred thousand more souls at the present time. 
It is a territory intersected by canals and railroads, con- 
tains cities, large villages and charming townships, chur- 
ches, colleges, academies and schools and great Lako 
ports, from which numerous steamers traverse our in- 
land seas. How many think you, from Middletown, 
Portland and Chatham are now dwelling within the first 
limits of Whitestown ? An honored native of this town,* 
was in the company that settled Marietta, the first town 
settled by the English in Ohio. A native of this place 
also,t was commissary in the first surveying company 
that went to the Reserve in the same State, and landed 
at Coneaut Creek. The large rude log building, which 
they erected on the east shore of the stream, and which 
served both as a store-house for their provisions, and a 
dwelling for their families was called " Stov/ Castle." 
A town also in Summit county bears the surname of the 
same individual. How many think you from the difier- 
ent parts of the ancient town of Middletown, are now 
dwelling in the great State of Ohio ? And how many in 
the great West beyond, which has seemed to be reced- 
ing and spreading as settlements have advanced towards 
it 1 Your kindred and friends are scattered in all direc- 
tions through the country. 

The character of the early settlers of Middletown 
may be given in few words. It is not pretended they 
were a perfect community. They had their faults a3 
other early settlers of Nev/ England. But their faults 
were not peculiar to themselves ; they pertained to the 

, i 

* Col. Meigs. 



t Joshua Stow, Esq. 
4* 



48 ABLHESS OF DR. FIELD* 

age in -^liich thej lived, and are susceptible of muoh 
palliation from the circumstances in wliieli they were 
placed. This admitted, they were as a body, a very 
religious people, possessed of much practical knowledge, 
not derived altogether from experience and observation ^ 
but also from reading and intercourse with literary and 
well informed men ;. friends of liberty;^ constitutional 
liberty y regulated by righteous laws. 

They were a very religious people. All attended pub- 
lic worship. Before they had a meeting-house, they 
worshiped God under the boughs of a tree,, and in less 
than two years they built them a Sanctuary, and eigV 
toen years after, another. These were humble struc- 
tures it is true ; but they were grateful foy the accom- 
modations they afforded. They secured regularly the 
services of a minister of the gospel. Not long after the 
settlement commenced^ the people employed Mr. Samuel 
Stow, a native of Concord, Mass., and graduate of Har- 
vard College as a candidate for the ministry. Ho 
preached to them a number of years. Mr.. Nathaniel 
Collins succeeded him as a candidate, and was ordained 
the first pastor Nov. 4th, 1668. At this time the church 
was organized, consisting of ten male members, includ- 
ing himself, a nucleus around which others were gathered. 

In the early settlements of Connecticut, people were 
assembled for public worship by the beat of a drum, and 
the place was guarded by armed men,, as a security from 
attacks by the Indians. The smallest guard allowed by 
law consisted of eight soldiers Avith a sergeant, and this 
was the number on guard here for a time. The beat of 
the drum was necessary to collect the soldiers, and it 
collected also the congregation. Mr. Giles Hamlin gave 
a drum to the town and to the train bands, and never 
did a chime of bells sound sweeter. The people did not 



ASDXESS OF DR. FIELD* 49 

need it, tluit they miglit know that the Sabbath ha<I 
come. It was on their minds through the week, and be- 
fore the sun sunk in tlie west on Saturday, wordly con- 
cerns were laid aside that their minds might be free to 
keep the day in a holy manner. But this told them 
when the time arrived to start for the sanctuary ; and 
while there was danger from the Indians, when they 
might go with safety. A drum was used in the Upper 
Houses more than sixty years after the settlement began. 
The people were mindful of the great duty of living 
in peace. This is apparent from their plans and mea- 
sures, when difficulties were rising, to have them adjust- 
ed. When diflerent views were entertained by the peo- 
ple of the Upper and Lower Houses about a site for tlie 
second Meeting-house, for ^' peace sake " they conde- 
scended to each other, and agreed upon a place for set- 
ting it.. When the question arose how t}ie lands granted 
to the town in 1683 should be divided among earlier 
and later settlers, the matter was arranged by conces- 
sion.. Another fact illustrates this cliaracteristic in re- 
gard to the inhabitants of the first society. After the 
people in Upper and East Middletov>''n had become dis- 
tinct parishes, they undertook to build a new Meeting- 
house, much larger than either of the houses which had 
previously existed within their limits. Different por- 
tions of the inhabitants wished for its location at the 
north, west and east corners of the great square, lying 
between Main and High streets -^ but lest their prefer- 
ences should lead to abiding alienation, they agreed 
the point should be decided by lot. But as there were 
four corners to the square, it was suggested it would be 
well to put them all to the solemn trial. This was done 
and the south corner was drawn, which none had really 
desired. But as the lot was considered as expressing 



50 ADDRESS OF DR, FIELD^ 

the divine will, the people went forward and bitilt there, 
and there they worshipped more than eighty years. 

The original mode of singing among the Puritans 
was Congregational, and the psalms were lined. But 
into this house a ehmr was introduced. It was largo 
and admirably trained. The elder President Adams, 
who attended worship here in 1771, says of the singing : 
" I heard the finest singing that I ever heard in my life : 
the front and side galleries were crowded with rows of 
lads and lasses, w^ho performed all their parts in the ut- 
most perfection — a row of women all standing up and 
playing their parts with perfect skill and judgment, ad- 
ded a sweetness and sprightliness to the whole, which 
absolutely charmed me." 

The settlers possessed muck practical knowledge^ the 
result of observation and reading, and intercourse with 
the wise and good. The early clergy were superior 
men, men of talents and learning, and the magistrates 
and public men were well informed. The people them- 
selves were able to read ; most of the males at least to 
write and keep accounts, and they united their efforts 
with those of their superiors for the right training of 
the young. Family worship and government were main- 
tained with strictness. Attending public religious in- 
struction with their children, they welcomed their minis- 
ters to their dwellings and ordered their families so as to 
have their visits the most profitable to their entire house- 
holds. The Bible, that inexhaustible source of know- 
ledge, and what other books they had, were more read, 
more studied at home by old and young, and their con- 
tents made the subjects of more reflection and conversa- 
tion, than are found now in the abodes of their descen- 
dants. 

Nor let us think too meanly of the common schools 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 51 

which were established by law, aDd the people w^ere re- 
quired to maintain. All deemed them indispensable to 
the diffusion of knowledge through the entire community. 
Hence Ave find the town in March 16T6, when their 
means were small, agreeing to pay a Mr. Webb twenty- 
five pounds for keeping school a year. Mr. Samuel 
Stow, who was so many years a candidate for the minis- 
try, Nathaniel White and Jasper Clements, three of the 
proprietors of the town, made bequests for the support 
of common schools, the benefits of which are felt to the 
present time. Parents were glad to send their children 
to school ; mhaisters visited the schools and encouraged 
the children to learn ; yea, they often took youth into 
their own houses and instructed them themselves. 

Common schools have accomplished unspeakable good 
here and through the State, and wherever they have 
been established. 

Our common schools are now improved in some in- 
stances, here and there, and it is encouraging to witness 
their advancement. Where circumstances admit of it, 
let a High School be established for the older children, as 
has been done in this city, and the means of a higher 
education opened to all, and the happy results will soon 
be felt. 

In places of far less population and wealth much may 
be done. Let a few energetic and decided men take 
hold of the subject, and they will arouse their neighbors 
to the importance of improving the schools, and as these 
become what they should be, the minds of the young 
will be filled with a thirst for knowledge, which will seek 
gratification when the period of schooling is passed. 
They ^\i\\ be ready to form associations and use means 
which will diffuse an enlightening and elevating influence 
around them* 



52 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

Some measures have been adopted in tlie Upper 
Houses for advancing education, which deserve public 
commendation. I allude especially to what has been 
done by the " Friendly Association," a literary society, 
which has been regularly kept up about forty years, 
which flourishes still, and is accomplishing much good.. 

The settlers were the friends of Constitutional liberty^ 
and of righteous laws well administered. They came 
here under the wing of the constitution which went into 
operation in 1639, allowing them to elect their own offi- 
cers, and to unite with others in the election of officers 
for the commonwealth. That Constitution was super- 
ceded by the charter of Charles the second ; a charter 
liberal for a monarch to grant, and which showed the 
adroitness of Governor Winthrop in obtaining it. Thus 
the people had what they wished, the privilege of man- 
aging legally their own concerns, whether of town or 
society, school district or any other corporation with 
which they were connected, while they took a part with 
others in elevating men to higher stations, and more 
extensive trusts. 

They knew their rights. Though for more than twen- 
ty years the public laws were in manuscript, copies of 
them were sent to the towns, publicly read and left for 
examination by the inhabitants ; and then they were 
printed and bound in a volume with blank leaves, and 
every family was required to purchase a copy. The 
new laws, made from time to time, were sent to the 
towns, that after being publicly read, they might be 
copied into the same book with the printed laws. Thus 
the people had the laws continually before them, and 
were probably more conversant than the people now are 
with the existing statutes. 

One trait of the early settlers was, that when they 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 63 

found public rncti very faithful, they elected them re- 
peatedly to office, sometimes for long periods, and to old 
age. Perhaps there were not among them as many 
qualified for office as among their posterity, in proportion 
to the population ; but they did not judge it best to 
drop tried and good men on slight grounds. It was no 
part of their policy to throw aside men merely to make 
way for others ; especially such as had become conver- 
sant with the duties of a high station, for the sake of 
experimenting on raw hands. Their principles and 
their circumstances both prompted them to union, and 
to seek the general welfare in distinction from party ob- 
jects. A remarkable illustration of this is found in the 
elections of Mr. Nathaniel White, who resided in the 
Upper Houses ; a man of high religious character, and 
sound judgment. He was one of the first magistrates 
of the town, and held military commissions. From 1659 
to lYlO the year before his death, he was chosen repre- 
sentative to the General Court, the elections being then 
semi-annual, eighty-five times. Among the men settled 
in the Lower Houses, whom the people delighted to hon- 
or were Mr. Giles Hamlin, his son John Hamlin, and 
his grandson Jabez Hamlin. • The first mentioned and 
Mr. White were appointed commissioners, or justices of 
the peace in 1669, and in 1684 commissioners for Mid- 
dletown, Haddam and Meriden. Mr. Hamlin, though 

" Near fifty years crossing the ocean wide,"* 
was elected representative to the General Court tvrenty- 
two times ; and in 1685 w^as elected an assistant, and 
thus annually until his death, except as the privileges of 
the freemen were interrupted by the usurpation of Maj. 
Andros. 

* From iba epitaph on his Monument. 



54 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

Jolm Hamlin was a member of the General Court as 
a representative seven sessions, and then an assistant 
twenty-six years. 

Jabez Hamlin, besides being advanced in military life 
to the rank of a Colonel, "vvas put into the commission of 
the peace as early as 1733 or 4 ; was a justice of the 
quorum for Hartford county, from 1745 until 1754, and 
then judge of that court thirty years. He was elected 
a representative to the General Assembly forty-three 
times, and was repeatedly Speaker of the Lower House. 
He was also for a time a member of the Council of safety. 
He was judge of probate from the formation of Middle- 
town district in 1752 till 1789, and mayor of this city 
from its incorporation in 1784 until his death. 

The excellence of Giles Hamlin may have contributed 
to bring forward his son John Hamlin, but the son could 
not have received and retained the confidence of the peo- 
ple in those times, had he not been a superior man ; and 
the excellence of John Hamlin, combined with that of 
his father, may have had more influence in bringing for- 
ward Jabez Hamlin ; but all three were capital men. 
Jabez Hamlin was publicly educated and possessed a 
well informed and well balanced mind, unusual sweet- 
ness and uniformity of temper, and courtliness of man- 
ners. He took an active interest in the welfare of per- 
sons of every class, exercising a benevolence through a 
long life, which was seen and felt by all. Thus he de- 
scended to his grave, rich in the esteem of men, and 
beloved of his God. 

Seth Wetmore was a lawyer in this town, and a jus- 
tice of the peace sometime before the middle of the last 
century. He was elected a representative to the Legis- 
lature forty-eight times, and was a judge of Hartford 
county court. <^ 



ADDRESS OF DjR. ^IELD. OO 

Samuel W. Dana and Ashcr Miller were long elected 
to public offices : and the clerkship held by the late John 
Fisk Esq., sliov/s that the people have not forgotten alto- 
gt'ther to continue correct and faithful men in office. 
Still in recent times, some offices have passed rapidly 
from one person to another. The court of Probate for 
this District has existed ninety-eight years. By the 
first three judges it was held sixty-nine years. Since 
the death of the last of tiiese, it has been held by eleven 
judges. 

As for jMinisters, they were not hastily settled nor 
hastily dismissed. Mr. Samuel Stow, and the first set- 
tled pastor, were employed as candidates longer than 
was common in the early days of Connecticut, But 
long candidateships were usual, and when ministers 
were settled, they Avere considered as settled for life. 
The first four pastors of this Church died in office, and 
including the time of their being candidates, they sup- 
plied the people nearly one hundred and fifty years. 
The first two pastors in Upper Middietown died in office ; 
the first in Westfield ; the first three in Portland ; the 
first in Middle Haddam, and the first three in East 
Hampton. 

It has been said that the early ministers were superior 
men, men of talents and learning. 

Mr. ColUns, the first pastor, was a native of Cam- 
bridge, Massachusetts, and was educated at the College 
in that town, as was an elder brother by the name of 
John, who was a minister in London. Both were famous 
ministers in their day. The church or people here were 
united and happy during Mr. Collins' life ; he died in 
1684. Cotton Mather says of him, in his 3Iagnalia.— 
" The church of Middietown upon Connecticut River, 
was the golden candlestick^ from whence this excellent 
5 



;>G ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

person illuminated more than that whole colony ; and all 
the qualities of most exemplary piety ^ extraordinary in- 
tegrity, obliging affability, joined with the accomplish- 
ments of an extraordinary preacher, did render him truly 
excellent." He also wrote an elegy on him, in Avhich he 
describes his virtues in cjuaint rhymes : 

" 1 sigh the fate for which our broached eyes 
Spend floods of hrine ; at which a dire surprise 
Of a soul chilling horror doth invade 
The soul not stone before ; at which are made 
In serious minds, as many wounds as were 
To Caesar given. Reader, shake to hear ; 
The Death of Collins, 'tis. He dead, 
Without a paper sheet to lay him out ! 

shame. O that Egyptian odours, and 
Embalmers too, were now at m}' command ! 

1 want them. But hyperboles withdraw, 
Begone licentious poets. What 1 saw 

On this occasion, let some country rhymes 
That call a spade a spade, tell after times.'" 

Pity, the Church of Middletown bespeaks 

Set in the midst of swoons and sobs and shrieks. 
* * -X- * -x- * * -K- * -x- 

The second pastor was Rev. Noadiah Russell. He 
was one of the founders and trustees of Yale College, 
and one of the framers of Saybrook Platform, and of 
course held high rank among his brethren. Two of his 
sons, William and Daniel, were educated at the semina- 
ry which he had assisted in founding, and became minis- 
ters of the gospel. Daniel settled in Stepney in Weth- 
ersfield, no-w the town of Rocky Hill. 

Rev. William Russell succeeded his father in the min- 
istry here, and it is a remarkable fact that he labored in 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 57 

the work just fortj-six years, dying on the same montli, 
and on the same day of the month on which he was or- 
dainoa. Hg preached the election sermon before the 
Colony Legislature in 1730. The celebrated George 
Whitfield, being entertained at his house over night in 
Oct., 1740, says of him : " I think him an Israelite in- 
deed, and one who has been long mourning over the dead- 
ness of professors. Oh! that all ministers were like-mind- 
ed." He also expresses his admiration " of the sim- 
plicity of his host and the order Avhcrein his children at- 
tended on family devotion." Mr. Russell was a mem- 
ber of Hartford South Consociation, when that Consocia- 
tion was called in 1758, to act with the Consociation oi' 
X>^ew Haven County in the " Wallingford case, and he 
manifested much concern for the peace and union of the 
church and society in Wallingford, and to efiect an ac- 
commodation of the difficulties whicli had arisen." "" lie 
v*-as a gentleman," says Dr. Trumbull, " of great respec- 
tability for knowledge, experience, moderation, and for 
pacific measures, on all occasions." 

Rev. Enoch Huntington was the fourth pastor of the 
first church in this town. While a member of Yale College, 
(of which institution he was a trustee many years,) he 
was distinguished for ripe scholarship, and was a success- 
ful candidate for the Berkeley prize. When he began 
to preach he was a popular candidate. A congregation 
on Long Island sought him for their pastor. The people 
in Pittsfield, Mass., invited him to settle with them, but 
he deemed it his duty to settle in this place, where he had 
a call at the same time. His ministry was more extend- 
ed than that of his immediate predecessor, and during 
the greater part of this long period, besides discharging 
his official duties, he instructed young men while fitting 
for college, or who without a collegiate course were look- 



^^'^ ADDKESS OF DR. FIELD, 

iiig forward to the iearned professions, and to important 
Htations in bui^iness. The town being then greatly con-^ 
cerned in commeree^ and having extensiye connootlons^ 
youths from abroad, as well as from this place and vicini- 
\y, were placed under his tuition. Had we a full cata- 
logue of his pupils. Avhich has been much sought for, we' 
yhould find the names of many literary,, distinguished and^ 
useful men. President Dwiglit of Yale College, was one 
of his early pupils, and had such respect for him, that 
some thirty years afterwards he placed a son under his 
care. The first famihes in Middietown, of different de- 
nominations, sent their sons to him. The Rey. Elijahs 
Parsons of East Haddam, and the late Dr. Sheperd of 
Lenox, Mass., studied th.eology with him. 

It is rare to find four ministers in succession, in any 
church for so long a time, of su€4i standing and influence- 
as the four now nstieed. As the early settlers of the- 
town, and their descendants for generations, had superior 
men for their ministers, so they had very worthy men 
for deacons. One of their three first elected and ordain- 
ed deacons was John Hail, son of the first John Hall^ 
one of the early clerks of the town. He died Jan. 22>. 
1694, aged 75, and his epitaph declares, his. virtues » 

" Here lyes our Deacon Hall,, 

Who studied peace with all> 

Was upright in his lifov 

Void of malignant strife ^ 

Gone to his rest, left us in sorrow 

Pottbtless his good works will him follow .''* 

These rhymes are as quaint as Cotton Mathe^^s, and 
not a whit quainter than some epitaphs found on grave- 
stones in old England ; but the ideas cannot be mistaken. 
In the subsequent list of deacons, we find the names of 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 69 

Jabez Hamlin, Cliauncey Whittlesey and Matthew Tal- 
cot Russell. 

We arc assembled to celebrate the Second Centennial 
Anniversary of the settlement of Middletown. For two 
hundred years, the worship of God has been celebrated 
in this congregation, according to the views and forms of 
the Congregationalists. And here some rather striking 
coincidences occur. It is very near one hundred and 
fifty years since Congregational worship was commenced 
in Upper Middletown, and from these churches went forth 
colonists, to form the other Congregational churches and 
societies generally, vrhich have sprung up within the orig- 
inal limits of the township. This too is the first Cen- 
tennial Anniversary of christian worship here, according 
to the rites of the church of England, and with this 
Episcopal church have been somewhat connected the 
origin and growth of the same denomination in Portland 
and Middle Haddam. The Baptist church in this city 
has existed a little more than half a century : the Bap- 
tist Society in Upper Middletown was formed in Janu- 
ary, 1801. The Methodist congregation in the city was 
formed in 1791, but was small until 1800 and after. 

The economy and customs of the three denominations 
now mentioned, provide better for the frequent change of 
ministers than those of the Congregationalists, and com- 
paring the whole existence of all the churches, they have 
actually changed their ministers more frequently. Rev. 
Abraham Jarvis, one of the early rectors of the Episco- 
pal church here, served it many years, and while here, 
was raised to the highest station in the Episcopal church- 
es of the commonwealth, which his brethren could give 
him. Some, among the long list of rectors following, have 
been much esteemed, several have been raised to eminent 

stations. 

5* 



60 ADDRESS OF DK. FIELD. 

Rev. Mr. Miles served the Episcopal congregation in 
Portland many years. But so many have been the Epis- 
copal ministers ; so many the Baptist and Methodist ; 
and so many recently the congregational, that they can- 
not be even named on this occasion. The trials and the 
prosperity of their churches cannot be stated, much less 
can any thing be said about more recent congregations, 
and this is the less important, because their origin and 
progress are so v/ell known. We are assembled to hear 
old and forgotten things^ rather than those which are late 
and familiar.* 

The settlers generally, rich as they were in faith, had 
little property, and every thing to begm anew\ At first 
their dwellings were wretched, hardly sheltering them 
from the rage of the elements : they had but little furni- 
ture, and the articles generally of the plainest forms. 
They manufactured nearly all their clothing in the fami- 
}}', and very imperfectly, having no provision for fulling, 
shearing and pressing their woollens. They were in- 
experienced in subduing a forest ; w^ere deficient in im- 
plements for cultivating the ground ; had scarcely any 
teams, horses, cattle or sheep. There w^ere but few me- 
chanics among them. They anticipated difficulty in pro- 
curing so necessary a mechanic as a blacksmith, and re- 
served an hundred pound lot to tempt one to come among 
them. It was not until Sept., 1661, that one appeared, 
wdio pledged himself to do the town's smithing, at least 
for four years. At a subsequent time they induced a 
blacksmith to settle among them in a similar way. 

Our citizens who go to the West, entertain us by the 
story of their privations and hardships, and yet these are 
hardly a tythe of what the Colonists suffered. Besides 

* Note C. 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 



61 



having greater means and resources in the outset, thej 
can almost flj on cars, or steanihoats to their desthiations ; 
carry ^vhat they wish with them, and at httle expense ; 
can go right on to a prairie, or if they enter a forest, 
they may have the hght which experience has shed dar- 
ing two centuries, in turning a wilderness into a fruitful 

fic^Ul. 

The settlers were poor half a century ; and for half a 
century more, they did not rise much above the condition 
of comfortable livers. Framed houses they had, but 
with few rooms and often never finished. Almost all 
looked to their clearings and forests for the means of 
support. From the former, they got their food and a few 
articles to barter ; from the latter, they got materials for 
hoards, staves and hoops, which were also to barter ; and 
the bartering was for groceries, and a few finer articles 
of clothing. In 1680, but one vessel was owned and 
that only of TO tons ; only one more was owned on the 
river, and that at Hartford, of 90 tons. The trade was 
carried on in these vessels, and in a few coming rarely 
from Boston. Two vessels only were owned here in 
1730 ; both united, rated at 105 tons. 

There was probably but one merchant here in 1680, 
and the merchants in the colony, then 24 in number, are 
spoken of by Gov. Leet in his report to the Board of 
Trade and Plantations in England, as doing but little 
business. There were probably not more than two mer- 
chants here, in 1730. One of these was James Brown, 
an excellent Scotchman, from Edinburgh, who used to 
cross the country to Boston on horse-back, once or more 
in a year, to make his contracts. Some years after this, 
there were only three or four merchants. But in the 
latter half of the last century, a very profitable trade 
was opened with the West Indies, and some accumulat- 



G2 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

ed large estates. The most successful in this trade was 
Richard Alsop, "vvho had been educated a merchant in 
the store of Philip Livingston in New York. George 
Phillips, Col. Matthew Talcot and others were engaged 
in it. 

This trade stimulated agriculture ; and by this time 
the best lands in all the parishes were brought under cul- 
tivation, and yielded abundant crops of Avheat, rye, bar- 
ley, oats, flax, maize, and English grasses. Great quan- 
tities of provisions ; and great numbers of cattle and 
horses were sent to the West Indies ; and great quanti- 
ties of rum, (an article then believed to bo useful as a 
beverage, and necessary to men engaged in arduous la- 
bors,) were imported, together with sugar, molasses and 
salt. Great quantities of provisions were sent from the 
river to New York, to be consumed there, or re-shipped 
for foreign markets, and thence various articles of mer- 
chandize were brought back in return : for by this time 
most of the trade which had gone eastward, and mainly 
to Boston, had changed its course. 

The West India trade, and almost all other trade, the 
Revolutionary War deranged, or rather suspended. It 
was resumed, however, and flourished when the war was 
over. Some of the principal traders at this time, were 
Elijah and Nehemiah Hubbard, and Col. Lemuel Storrs, 
George and Thompson Phillips, sons of the George Phil- 
lips before mentioned. Gen. Comfort Sage, and others, 
took a part, and some of them an important part in it. 
Joseph W. Alsop, a younger man, also succeeded in it. 
Before the close of the last century, however, this trade 
was annoyed and injured by the principal belligerent pow- 
ers of Europe; evils whicli led on to a temporary controver- 
sy with France, then to the restrictive system, and the 
more serious war with Great Britain. During that sys- 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 63 

tern and Avar, our seaports presented lines of naked 
masts. Vessels, old and new, were laid up on the sides 
of this river, and as another item in the calamities of 
people on the Connecticut, twenty-two vessels of various 
descriptions, estimated at a hundred and sixty thousand 
dollars, were burnt by the enemy at Essex. The sons 
of the ocean were driven to almost every expedient to 
get their bread, sold too at an enlianced price. 

Since the last war with Great Britain, almost all the 
commerce from this place is domestic, and this is still 
limited. Under this change many enterprising men have 
invested property in factories, and hundreds, who might 
otherwise have exerted their strength and their skill in 
following the seas, are now engaged in mechanical and 
manufacturing operations. In these factories, the culti- 
vators of the soil too, find a market for their products. 

Wars try men's souls. The Pequot war, and King 
Philip's war, tried the men of Connecticut. Queen 
Ann's war at the beginning of the last century, tried 
them, and pressed them with a heavy debt.* The 



* The fruitless undertaking against Cunada, in 1708, says TnuxibuD, 
" was a capital loss and expense to tlic Colonics." One quarter or more 
of the troops died. Connecticut only sustained tUe loss of 90 aien. The 
expedition occasioned the first emission Qf paper money in Connecticut. 
Besides the assigned quotas raised by the colonics, independent compa«. 
nies were raised and sent on to the army. The following persons were vol- 
unteers from Middletovfn, viz. " Nathi^ailel Gilbert, Benjamin Cornwell, 
John Allen, Samuel Doolittle, Nathaniel Hobart for Hubart,] Jonathan, 
Gilbert, Waite Cornwell, Edward Bow, John Lane, entered, (but by 
reason of the death of his father, hired another in his room.) Charles But- 
ler, Jacob Conte, and Thonyas Stevens,*' all of whom " served undey 
Capt. Moses Demming." " Jacob Doudc, and Jeremiah Leman" wha 
*^ served under Capt. Andrew Wa-rd." 

In May, 172:^, the Assembly passed an act requiring all the arms " ro^ 
peived upon the Canada expeditions," inc;lud.in<; " those lodged in an^ 



6J: ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

French war of 1Y44, and especially that of 1755, con- 
tmuing for a longer period, tried them. In both, Con- 
necticut furnished more than her proportion of men. lu 
the latter, some Avent to Ticonderoga, some to the Ha- 
vanna, and some elsewhere, and many never returned. 
A number from Upper Middletown did not. How many 
tlien from all the parishes west of the river 1 The only 
son of tlie first minister in Chatham fell in battle in this 
war. How many then in all the parishes cast of the 
river ? But we are accustomed to speak of the Revolu- 
tionary war as trying men's souls, particularly in 1T7G. 
This did try them, in various respects. It was a war 
with Englishmen, whose blood we shared, and for the re- 
dress of v/rong.^, vfhich it was believed, fathers should 
never have inflicted ; a war with an ancient, rich and 
powerful nation, that thought at first they could over- 
awe us, and then that they could subdue us. It was a 
long, bloody and expensive war, in which hope sometimes 
rose high, then sunk, but lived on, rose again and again, 
until in eight years the glorious triumph arrived. 

But little can be said on this vast subject now — a few 
thino-s only, to show how your fathers felt and acted at 
that time, in conjunction with the people of other towns 
in our beloved State. 

The news of the passage of the Boston Port Bill, and 
the arrival of Gen. Gage in May, 1774, to enforce it by 
stopping the trade of that important town, and with it to 
a great extent, the trade of Massachusetts and New Eng- 

tovvn or in the hands of any person in the government" to be brought to 
and lodged at the State House in Hartford. This appears to have been 
done — but in May 13, 1725, the volunteers from this place asked the Gen- 
eral Assembly, to grant liberty for the delivery of t.lia anus to each of them, 
which had been taken.iuyay by a former order; and the request -vvas grant = 
eel by bptb Hoxises. 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. Go 

land, excited alarm and indignation in Connecticut. 
'' The House of Representatives, then in session at Hart- 
ford, passed strong resolutions against the unrighteous 
act." Many towns did the same, and pledged their co- 
operation in defense of the rights of the people. On 
the 15th of June in this year, more than five hundred 
inhahitants of this town assemhled and eave such a 
pledge. The following are their deliberate and com- 
prehensive resolves : 

1. " That we will heartily concur in any salutary 
measures, that may or shall be devised and come into, or 
recommended by a General Congress, from all or most 
of the Colonies, or by the greater places of trade or com- 
merce on the continent, or by the inhabitants of this 
Colony, for the preservation of the rights of British 
Americans. 

2. That Messrs. Matthew Talcott, Richard Alsop, 
and Titus Hosmer, be our Committee of correspondence, 
whose duty it shall be to collect all such intelligence, as 
may be necessary to enable us to act our part presently, 
and to good effect in the system of America ; to com- 
municate such intelligence to others, as may be useful to 
them and the common cause, and in our behalf to cooper- 
ate with the Committees of other towns, in concerting or 
executmg any general plan of proceeding for the good of 
the whole." 

It is not known that Chatham formally passed such 
resolves, but there is evidence enough that they cherish- 
ed the same sentiments, and it is scarcely possible that 
any towns should have been more faithful than these two 
were, in sustaining them. 

One measure, which was the subject of much consid- 
eration about this time, was the breaking off from all 
trade with the mother country, so long as she should con- 



QQ ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

tiniie her arbitrary proceedings. How tlie people felt on 
this point, is clear from an incident which occurred, when 
the delegates from Massachusetts were on their way to 
the first Continental Congress. Stopping in MiddletowD) 
Dr. Eliot Rawson, Mr. Alsop, Mr. Mortimer and others^ 
the committee of correspondence, Mr. Henshaw and 
many other gentlemen, called upon them to pay them 
their respects, and to assure them that they thought that 
all was in their hands, and that they would abide by 
whatever should be determined on, even to a total stop- 
page of trade to Europe^ and the West Indies. ^^ This 
assurance is the more noticeable, because the wealth of the 
town at that time, was mainly derived from foreign com~ 
merce, and some of the gentlemen present were princi- 
pals in carrying it on. Congress assembled, and formed 
an association for non-importation, non-exportation and 
non-consumption "of British goods." The Colonial 
Assembly approved and recommended it, and before the 
year was closed, the people here heartily concurred in it, 
and appointed a committee of inspection, consisting of 
seventeen persons, " to see the same duly observed, to 
publish the names of any willful transgressors of said 
association, and generally to do every thing necessary to 
the carrying into execution the objects of the association, 
according to the true intent and meaning of said Con- 
gress." The people of Chatham did the same, and ap- 
pointed a committee of eleven, larger in proportion to 
their population, for the same purpose. Such commit- 
tees were appointed from time to time, in both towns, 
through the Revolution. This measvire, thus pursued 
here and elsewhere, was designed to show. Great Britain, 
that the Americans were determined not to submit to 
oppression, and tliat if they could not live peaceably with 
her, they would endeavor to live without her. 



ADDRESS OF DR, FIELD, 67 

But what other things did the towns of Middletown and 
Chatham.,do, under all the motives which were brought 
to bear upon them 1 They met very often, considered 
the measures recommended and urged upon them by the 
General Assembly, or by the Governor or Council of 
Safety in behalf of the Commonwealth ; approved them, 
and took promptly the steps necessary to their execution* 

One thing which they did, was to see that the inhabi- 
tants took the oath of fidelity to the State, and the re- 
cords of both towns year after year, abound with such 
subscriptions. 

Another thing was to provide that sundry articles, 
necessaries of life specified by a law of the State, should 
be sold at certain fixed prices. This law the town of 
Middletown approved February 10th, VJ17, soon after 
it was passed, and all mforming officers were charged 
^^ to he very circumspect and diligent in their inquiries 
after all breaches of said act." The binding force of 
this law is repeatedly recognized. The town of Chatham 
on the 1st of April in the same year, voted, " That the 
inhabitants with one consent, will join with, and support 
to the utmost of their power, the authority, selectmen 
and all informing officers in carrying into execution the 
laws made for the regulation and affixing the prices of 
certain articles therein mentioned." The law thus ap- 
proved was followed by another, and a very severe one, 
against monopoly and the engrossing both of agricultu- 
ral products and imported goods, entitled an act to en- 
courage fair dealing, and to restrain and punish sharpers 
and oppressors." 

Early this year it was seen and felt to be of the last 

importance, that the army of Washington should not be 

obliged to depend as much as it had been upon militia ; 

but should have soldiers enlisted for three years, or dur* 

6 



68 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

ing the war ; and Continental battallions were ordered 
to be raised in the State. That the respective towns 
might fill their quotas, all classes were earnestly exhort- 
ed, by an appeal to their patriotism, to procure the en- 
listment of men. Such orders and exhortations found a 
speedy and full response in the feelings of the people, 
both of Middletown and Chatham. But it would be 
tedious to repeat all the votes they passed, and measures 
they took to engage soldiers. 

Both towns did much for the support of the families 
of these soldiers, sometimes by assigning them to the 
care of large committees, or the care of particular fami- 
lies to individuals. They also did much to supply the 
soldiers themselves with clothing. 

In the course of the year 1777, Middletown voted that 
the selectmen distribute to the officers and soldiers fami- 
lies, the salt belonging to the town as they should think 
it needed, and the remainder to the poor at their discre- 
tion. Chatham made a similar donation. 

In December 1779, Middletown voted that every man 
in the town that has a team, be desired to furnish the 
light dragoons with wood, at least one load, as soon as 
possible. This was doubtless much needed, for the win- 
ter proved exceedingly cold. 

But to revert to the year 1774. It was thought very 
possible then, that Gen. Gage might use force against 
those whom he regarded as rebels against the British 
Government, and on such an occurrence, that it would 
be the duty of Americans far and near to help their in- 
jured brethren. Military men in Connecticut accord- 
ingly prepared to start at once, upon the knowledge of 
an attack. All this is evident from the rush of hundreds 
and thousands of armed men towards Boston, upon what 
is termed the '' Boston alarm," in Sept. 1774. This 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 69 

was a premature report that the " English ships of war 
were cannonading Boston, and the regular troops massa- 
cring the inhabitants without distinction of age or sex." 

At the October session, this year, the General Assem- 
bly resolved, '' That the several towns in this Colony be 
and are hereby ordered to provide as soon as may be, 
double the quantity of powder, balls and flints that they 
were heretofore by law obliged to provide, under the 
same directions and penalties as by law already pro- 
vided. '' 

The circumstances of the Bostonlans grew worse and 
worse. Deprived of their trade, want and suffering 
pressed them. The rich in Connecticut and elsewhere 
contributed liberally, and those of smaller means added 
to the amount, and forwarded relief. But as more was 
learned continually of the oppression they were endur- 
ing, the higher rose the spirit of resistance. 

Titus Hosmer Esq., gave to this spirit the sanction of 
his enlarged mind. As the difficulties with Great Britain 
were becoming more serious, at a session of the General 
Assembly in Hartford, a secret meeting was held by the 
members, in which a long and thorough discussion was 
carried on by appointed debaters, whether in the con- 
troversy. Great Britain was in the right, or the Colonies. 
In this discussion Mr. Hosmer was conspicuous ; great 
light was imparted, the members became satisfied that 
the right was with the Colonies, and that they would be 
justified in resisting their oppressors in war, should war 
come. The members scattered the light among their 
constituents, and the grand result was, that when the 
time for decided action arrived, the people of Connecti- 
cut were remarkably united, and so continued through 
the long contest, which has effected so much good for 
our country and the world. 



ii 



70 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

Blood was shed at Lexington in April 17*75, and then 
the war commenced. Retiirn Jonathan Meigs and others 
of Middletown, on petition, had been constituted a com- 
pany of light infantry the preceding year, and Mr. Meigs 
became their captain. Comfort Sage commanded a com- 
pany of light horse. Immediately upon the news of the 
battle at Lexington, Capt. Meigs marched his company 

completely miiformed and equipped," to the environs 
of Boston. Capt. Sage was there with his troop, and 
Capt. Silas Dunham with a military company from 
Chatham. 

In this month the General Assembly held a session, 
and enacted a law " to raise one fourth of the militia^ 
for the special defense of the Colony ; formed into com- 
panies of one Imndred men each,, and into six regiments."' 
The Assembly '' also authorized the purchase of three 
thousand stand of arms." About this time the compa- 
nies in Middletown and Chatham were formed into a 
regiment. 

Large sums of money had been expended u^pon a lead 
mine in this town by foreigners ;• and when the^ 
Revolution commenced, it was in the hands of Col.. 
James, a British officer, who had raised a quantity of the 
ore, and prepared it for exportation. This mine, and 
this ore, the government of Connecticut now seized for 
ilieir own use. 

The plan f^r the brilliant enterprise of taking Ticon-. 
deroga was formed in Connecticut, in the same month in 
which the war commenced at Lexington. In this, Sam- 
uel Ilolden Parsons, whose family resided here in the 
Revolution, was prominent ; for he informed the General 
Assembly afterwards by a memorial, .that he, together with 
Samuel Wyllys,Silas Deane and others,did in April 1775,. 
'iuidertake the suprising and seizing the enemies' fort at 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. Yl 

Ticondei'oga, without the knowledge of said Assembly, 
and for that purpose took a quantity of money from the 
treasury, giving their receipts for the money, all which 
[£810] had been expended in said service, and prayed 
the Assembly to cancel said notes and receipts. The 
memorial was honored, and this enterprise which Mr. 
Parsons did so much to start and effect, inspired the 
Colonists in Connecticut and elsewhere with confidence, 
that in the war with Great Britain, they should triumph: 
and this triumph he himself did much to secure. 

In the memorable battle of Bunker Hill, which oc- 
curred the following June, officers and soldiers from Con- 
necticut participated. Gen. Putnam showed his usual 
intrepidity. This battle fired the whole countr}^ Hun- 
dreds of our men were about Boston months afterwards. 
Many of the militia were directed to points upon our 
own coast, and to co-operate with the faithful in and 
about New York. 

But while the preceding events and transactions served 
to keep up, and strengthen the opposition to Great Bri- 
tain in Connecticut, it must be admitted that there were 
some among ourselves, who doubted the propriety of the 
course which the Colonies were pursuing, and who wen 
in heart opposed. Some took refuge in Nova-Scotia, or 
other parts of the King's dominions. But tories, or 
semi-tories, were not so numerous in Connecticut as in 
some other colonies, as in Southern New York and in the 
Jersies, particularly after the British had possession of 
New York, and began to issue their proclamations. It 
was rather the colony, vfhither tories were sent for safe 
keeping ; so that the people were called to watch &ud 
guard tories, as well as to the more pleasant service of 
showing hospitality and kindness, to such as fled to them 
from Long Island to escape the flatteries, and the arms 
* 6 



T2 ADDRESS OF DR. FfirtO, 

of the enemy. The tory mayor of New York city was 
sent hither, and many smaller tories. William Frank- 
lin, the last royal Governor of New Jersey, though the 
son of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, ''the genius of the day, 
and the great patron of American liberty," and possess- 
ing much of his ability and shrewdness, was a tory, and 
so remained. A convention of New Jersey, after an 
examination, declared him " a virulent enemy to his 
country," and a person that might prove dtxngerous ; 
and sent him to Gov. Trumbull, who was desired to take 
his parole ; and if he should refuse to give that, " to treat 
him agreeably to the resolution of Congress respecting 
prisoners." The very day that the Representatives of 
the Thirteen United Colonies of America declared, " that 
these Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and in- 
dependent States," Mr. Franklin entered Connecticut. 
The next morning a parole was prepared for him, by 
Gov. Trumbull and the Council of Safety. He moved 
for an alteration in the parole, and for liberty to return 
to New Jersey, which was refused. He then asked per- 
mission to go to Stratford. This was not granted, but 
he was informed that he might go to Wallingford, to 
which he finally consented, " and signed his parole ac- 
cordingly." In a few days " he applied to be removed 
from Wallingford to Middletown, which was granted oa 
the same parole." Here he came and remained until 
the people were alarmed by his influence ; for in a town 
meeting, January Tth, 1TT7, they appointed Capt. Sam- 
uel Russel, Col. Comfort Sage and Seth Wetmore Jun., 
to prefer a petition to Gov. Trumbull, to remove Gov. 
Franklin from the town, for the safety of the town and 
State. What Gov. Trumbull at once did is not ascer- 
tained, but it is probable he consulted the Congress of 
the United States : for on tlie 22d of April " Congress 



AiDDllESS OF DR. J-IELD. 73 

resolved, That Gov. Trumbull be informed, that Con- 
gress have received undoubted information, that William 
Franklin, late Governor of the State of New Jersey, and 
now a prisoner in Connecticut, has, since his removal to 
that State, sedulously employed himself, in dispersing 
among the inhabitants the protection of Lord Howe and 
Gen. Howe, styled the King's commissioners for grant- 
ing pardons, &c., and otherwise aided and abetted the 
enemies of the United States ; and that he be requested 
forthwith to order the said Wilham Franklin Esq., into 
close confinement, prohibiting to him the use of pen, ink 
and paper, or the access of any person or persons, but 
such as are properly licensed by Governor Trumbull.*" 

The year 177G, was rendered remarkable by the de- 
parture of the British from Boston, their approach to 
New York, and eventual occupation of the city, which 
they held until the cessation of hostilities, and the arri- 
val of the treaty of pea.ce. It was rendered remarka- 
ble also, by the almost incessant calls for the services of 
our men within our own borders and beyond them, as 
appears in part from the records of the commonwealth 
now before the public, in part from other histories, and 
from tradition. After 1776 indeed, until the close of the 
war, our whole seaboard was exposed to alarms and at- 
tacks, and how seriously, let the incursions of the enemy 
into Danbury and New Haven ; the burning of Norwalk, 
Fairfield and New London tell, and the accursed massa- 
cre at Groton. But as to the scenes of that most trying 
year. 

In May " large detachments of militia were ordered 
to hold themselves in constant readiness to march at the 

* Joiunals of Congress, Vol. III. pp. 121. 



74 ADDRESS OV DR. FlfiLC* 

shortest notice, for the defence of any portion of Con- 
necticut, or other adjoining Colonies." 

In June, seven regiments were ordered to march im- 
mediately, and join the Continental army in New York," 
and at this time James Wadsworth Jun., of Durham 
was appointed Brigadier General, and among the seven 
Colonels then appointed, was Comfort Sage of this town, 
who as Captain, went with a company of light horse to 
the neighborhood of Boston the preceding year. 

In August following, the whole of the standing militia 
of the State west of Connecticut river, together with two 
regiments on the eastern side, were ordered to march to 
New York city, and about the same time a large propor- 
tion of the remainder, were sent to aid the inhabitants 
of Suffolk county on Long Island. In the beginning of 
September, the standing militia together with the light 
horse on the east side the river, were ordered to march 
with the utmost expedition to Westchester, near New 
York. These drafts ef course included the militia of 
Middletown and Chatham. In the operations in the 
months of August, September and October, on Long 
Island, in and about New York, " the Connecticut forces 
comprised a large portion of Washington's army. The 
regular troops w^ere formed into a division, comprising 
two brigades. The division was commanded by Major 
Gen. Joseph Spencer " of East Haddam and by Brig. 
Gen. James Wadsworth of Durham, just mentioned, 
and Samuel H. Parsons of this place. " They signa- 
lized themselves in all the achi'fevments," and w^re dis- 
tinguished for their sufferings, as well as for their valor, 
Capt. Jabcz Hamlin, who had been an ensign under 
Capt. R. J. Meigs the year before, died of sickness this 
year at East Chester. Col. Sage remained at or near 
White Plains in November in the same year, and it is 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. Y5 

understood was in the service of his country long after- 
wards. 

The standing militia of the State were subjected to 
five heavy drafts in 1776, and were sent to Rhode 
Island, to Long Island, to New York, to the High Lands, 
and to the western borders of this State. Instead of 
asking therefore who went into the war from Middletown 
and Chatham this year, we may rather ask, who did 
not go 1 

The privations and hardships of militia men this year 
were great. They sacrificed the sweets of home for a 
large portion of time, and their business was deranged 
or suspended. These things however were as nothing 
compared with the sufferings of those who were taken 
prisoners, particularly of such as were confined in New 
York. A letter from a prisoner of distinction, belong- 
ing to Connecticut, dated New York, December 26th, 
1776, declares, " The distress of the prisoners cannot 
be communicated by words. Twenty or thirty die every 
day ; they lie in heaps unburied. What number of my 
countrymen have died by cold and hunger, perished for 
the want of the necessaries of life. I have seen it.'' 
Samuel Clark of this town " stated to the Assembly, 
that he was one of the unfortunate men taken at fort 
Washington, and confined in New York until December 
1776, and then with others nearly dead, liberated on 
parole."* 



* It is impossible to ascertain at this time, all who died during the 
Revolution, from battle and other evils connected with it. Some idea 
may be formed of the mortality from the statements following. John and 
James Smith, Abijah Kirby, Nathan Edwards and Reuben White, from 
Upper Middletown died in prison in New York. Some escaped from 
prison there, while others remained until released. What numbers then 
from different parts of Middletown must have felt the horrors of imprisou- 



76 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

In describing the events of this trying year, Mar- 
shall says, " While the seat of war was in New York, 
very essential aid was given by that State," but, he 
adds, the main force of the army was drawn from New 
England. Such was the zeal and unanimity of those 
States, that while the enemy remained in their neighbor- 
hood, requisitions for militia were unformly complied 
with, and they enabled the American army to keep up a 

ment in that city 1 Moses Pelton, a soldier from Portland is said to have 
been killed in the war. David Sage, Timothy Cornwall, Isaac Buck> 
Bartlett and Lemuel Lewis and others, are said to have died of sickness 
or in prison. Jacob Norton from East Hampton died in prison in New 
York. In a bill of mortality kept in Middle Haddam by Rev. Benjamin 
Boardman, Asa Brainerd is mentioned as dj'ing in the camp in 1775 j 
Heman Higgins as dying in the army, of sickness in 1778; Jesse Higging 
also as dying in the army the same year : Nathaniel Rich was killed la 
the action of Norwalk, July 11th, 1779, and the same year Jabez Arnold 
Jan., died in a tour in the militia at East Haven. Jonathan Cook Jun., 
and Seth Higgins are mentioned as dying prisoners in New York in tho 
latter part of 1777, and not far from the same time, Jesse Swaddle, Elisha 
Taylor, Seth Doane Jun., and John Snow are mentioned as dying on their 
way home from captivity. And it should be added here, that not only 
great numbers of captive soldiers suffered in prison, but a considerable 
number of captive privateci'smen, out of the many living on Connecticut 
river, who engaged in this tempting and hazardous concern. This waa 
true of the ofiScers and crew of the Sloop of War Sampson, built at Hig- 
ganum, some of whom, about one hundred in all, are understood to have 
been from Chatham, some were probably from Middletown. These were 
consigned to the old Jersey. In the records just referred to, and under 
date of June 4th, 1782, Capt. David Brooks, the commander of tho sloop, 
Nathaniel Stocking, Jonathan Brainerd Jan., William Akins or Atkina, 
Elihu Cook, Elijah Green and James Stocking are mentioned as dying in 
New York. Shubael Brainerd, the first Lieutenant, is known to have died 
in the prisonship, it is believed many others did. Tradition declares that 
numbers belonging to the sloop, died in New Y'ork about the time of the 
death pf the Commander and first Lieutenant. 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 77 

respectable appearance."* To a liberal share of this 
commendation Connecticut is justly entitled. 

Nor did the services of the militia of New England, 
and especially that of Connecticut close with 1776. — 
The enemy were too much in our neighborhood after- 
wards, and among us. The campaign of 1777 opened 
with the invasion of Connecticut, and the march of the 
enemy to Danbury. Their services were needed this 
year in Pennsylvania, and in the Jersies ; in Rhode 
Island, which was invaded ; particularly in the State of 
New York, while a junction of the British forces in the 
city with the army of Burgoyne was apprehended ; and 
years after his surrender, they were needed about the 
Hudson river. We needed them long in our own State; 
for in addition to the continual exposure of the coast, 
the burning of Norwalk and Fairfield, and the attack 
on New Haven, occured in 1779 ; the burning of New 
London, and the massacre at Groton in 1781. 

But as much as militia men suffered by frequent and 
sudden marches, absence from home and the derange- 
ment of business, by cold and storm, sickness and con- 
flict, the Continental soldiers had a harder lot. They 
were called to greater distances, and kept longer from 
their families, were more exposed to sickness from change 
of climate, and the more they learned of the military 
art, the more liable to have a position assigned them in 
the hottest of the battle. Much compassion was felt 
for them, and much was done for the relief of their wives 
and children in their absence, and yet when the war was 
over, many returned poor to their homes. 

Among the families helped in Middletown, were those 
of Colonels, Return Jonathan Meigs, John Sumner, and 

* Washington's Life, Vol. III. pp. 53. 



78 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

Jonathan Johnson ; Captains, Robert Warner, Edward 
Eells, Abijah Savage, David Starr and William Sizer ; 
Lieutenants, William Henshaw, Hezeldah Hubbard, 
John Hubbard and Othniel Clark, which renders it pro- 
bable, that all these for a time were in the Continental 
service, many of them certainly were. But how many 
more officers from Middletown w^ere in the continental 
line, it would be diiBcult at this late period to ascertain. 
And it is more difficult to ascertain the like fact in re- 
gard to Chatham ; for though the people of that town 
were prompt and liberal in providing for the families of 
those who were in the regular army, they were not so 
particular in naming them. Another thing which in- 
creases the perplexity is, that persons enlisted at differ- 
ent times, some after they had served in the militia. 
Some, about the commencement of hostilities, enlisted in- 
to the service of their country during the w^ar. A re- 
cruiting officer appeared then in one of the neighbor- 
hoods of Middle Haddam, as an aged man now living 
distinctly remembers, procured several enlistments there, 
and more in the surrounding neighborhoods ; a thing 
which was probably done in other parts of ancient Mid- 
dletown. But as the number of these was diminished 
by death, by loss of health or limbs ; or as the war 
raged more, or regular soldiers were more valued, new 
enlistments were called for, for the residue of the war, or 
for given periods. From what information has been re- 
ceived, it is believed, that Col. John Penjfield, Capt. 
Joseph Blague, afterwards Col. Blague, Capt. John 
Cooper, Lieut. Daniel Stewart, and Ensign Daniel Shep- 
herd were commissioned officers in the Revolution, from 
that part of Chatham which is now Portland, and more 
or less in the service of their country. Several of them 
may have been continental officers. Capt. Blague was 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 70 

for a time, and commanded a company in the battle at 
Saratoga. On some occasion, Gen. Lafayette as an ex- 
pression of esteem for him as an officer, and it is said in 
the presence of Washington, gave him a beautiful sword.* 
Captains Silas Dunham and Stephen Brainerd, Lieut. 
Marcus Cole, his son Ensign Abner Cole, breveted Lieu- 
tenant, from what is now Chatham, were in the war. 
The Coles were Continental officers, and some of the 
other officers may have been, and others still, not now 
specified. 

First or last, almost all that could, in some capacity, 
took part in the long contest. Continental soldiers went 
where they were commanded. Militia men by regular 
drafts and orders, or on the report of danger, flew to the 
places where the enemy came, or was apprehended. 
Old men, exempted by age from service, showed a dispo- 
sition to do what they could. About sixty here formed 
themselves into a company, to learn more of the military 
art, with a determination to preserve the liberty of their 
country. They marched in these streets. The drum- 
mer of the company was over eighty, and was as much 
engaged and alert as in his younger days. Lads sym- 
pathized and imitated. Mothers, wives, daughters and 
sisters, while laboring more in the house for the comfort 
of those gone to the camp, entered themselves into the 
field, and did the work of men. 

To tell all that the people of Middletown and Chatham 
did, during the protracted- struggle, were all the facts 
collected and arranged, would require much time. They 
are not collected and cannot be now, as many records 
have perished since they transpired, and the performers 
of them almost entirely, and most of their immediate de- 



* Now in the hands of his son-in-law, Col. Covil. 

7 



80 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

scenclants have already gone to the grave. Still some 
further ideas may be gathered from sketches of a few 
individuals, for which there are more ample materials. 

Capt. Return Jonathan Meigs has been spoken of. 
He was born in this town. The family was from that 
part of Guilford which is now Madison. In the capaci- 
ty of major, he accompanied Arnold up the Kennebec 
river to the city of Quebec, and wrote the best account 
that exists of that perilous and suffering expedition. 
Abijah Savage of the Upper Houses was with him, and 
probably others from Middletown and Chatham. Mr. 
Savage was then an officer, afterwards a continental cap- 
tain, as just noticed. The provisions for the expedition 
were scanty, and a part of the corps were obliged to 
stop on the way, and return to avoid starvation. The 
rest kept on, and at the end of sixty-three days, on the 
night of the 13th of December 1775, crossed the St. 
Lawrence at Wolf's Cove, without being discovered by 
the guard boats from the men of war, and formed in good 
order on the Plains of Abraham, near the city of Que- 
bec, while the British sentinels were articulating " all is 
well." But successfully as they had accomplished their 
journey, the soldiers were emaciated by fatigue and 
hunger ; their clothes were nearly worn out or rent from 
their bodies ; their time of enlistment w^as expired ; 
they were penniless, and in these circumstances could 
not but think of wages, kindred and home. But when 
Gen. Montgomery arrived with his force by a different 
route, he was anxious in the emergency of the case, that 
the men should re-enlist. They were marched in front 
of his quarters, and he addressed them " like a father, 
like a brother, and like a soldier," and in less than 
twenty minutes gained their hearts, and to a man they 
Yolunteered their services. The storming of the city 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 81 

followed on tlie last day of the year, and the result is 
known. The Ne\Y England men fought most bravely. 
Maj. Meigs entered with a hattallion within the walls of 
the city, but was made prisoner with captains Morgan 
and Dearborn, afterwards American Generals. Upon 
his exchange and return in 1T77, he was appointed 
Lieutenant colonel, with authority to raise a regiment. 
Having raised it in part, he marched to New Haven, and 
was then designated by Gen. Parsons, to execute a pro- 
ject for the surprisal and capture of a body of the ene- 
my at Sag Harbor, L. I. He embarked with about two 
hundred and thirty men, in thirteen whale boats, and 
proceeded eastward as far as Sachem's Head in Guil- 
ford, that he might the better cross the Sound. At that 
place he re-embarked one hundred and seventy of his 
detachment. May 23d, at 1 o'clock P. M., and landed 
within three miles of Sag Harbor at 1 o'clock at night. 
Having made arrangements for attacking the enemy at 
five different places, they proceeded with the greatest 
order and silence within twenty rods of them, and then 
rushed with fixed bayonets upon their barracks, guards 
and quarters, while Capt. Throop with a party under 
his command, at the same time, took possession of the 
wharves and vessels lying there. The alarm soon be- 
came general, a schooner of the enemy, of twelve guns, 
within one hundred and fifty rods of the wharves, opened 
an incessant fire, but with little effect. Twelve vessels, 
brigs and sloops were destroyed, a great amount of 
forage and provisions ; six men were killed and ninety 
taken prisoners. Col. Meigs returned to Guilford with 
his prisoners in twenty -five hours from his departure, 
having transported his men by water and land in that 
time ninety miles, without the loss or injury of a single 
person. Such is the substance of two accounts of that 



82 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

memorable exploit. In view of it Congress resolved ; 
" That Congress have a just sense of the merit of Lieut. 
Col. Meigs, and the officers and men under his com- 
mand, who distinguished their prudence, activity, enter- 
prise and valor, in the late expedition to Long Island ; 
and that an elegant sword he provided by the commissa- 
ry general of military stores, and presented to Lieut. 
Col. Meigs." Probably numbers from Middletown and 
Chatham were in this expedition. 

" In 1779 Col. Meigs commanded one of the regi- 
ments under Gen. Wayne which stormed and carried 
Stony Point." Probably many individuals from Mid- 
dletown were in that regiment. One who was in it from 
Middle Pladdam, used to say that he determined and 
strove to be the first to lay hold of the flag-staff. In 
this he failed, but always affirmed that he helped the 
more successful aspirant pull the flag down. His honest 
character is evidence that he spoke the truth. His name 
was John Strong. 

After the peace, Col. Meigs returned to this town and 
lived a few years, but in 1787 went wdth the very ear- 
liest emigrants to Marietta, the first town, (as has been 
mentioned,) settled by the English in the great State of 
Ohio. Though an ordinance had been provided for the 
government of the Northwest Territory, and a Governor 
and Judges were appointed, yet they had not arrived, 
and the emigrants vfere without civil law and authority. 
Col. Meigs drew up a concise system of regulations 
which were adopted by the emigrants until the proper 
authorities should arrive. These regulations spread up- 
on a sheet, were attached to the side of a large oak from 
which the bark was cut off to receive them, standing at 
the confluence of the Muskingum with the Ohio. They 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 83 

were as frequently consulted, it is affirmed, as the oracle 
of ancient Delplios, and very happily regarded. 

In the latter years of his life he was Indian agent at 
the Cherokee station, and was so beloved and trusted by 
the Indians, that they denominated him emphatically 
'^ The White Path." At this station he died, Jan. 28, 
1823, in his 83d year. It is said his death was serene- 
ly happy in the assurance of christian hope, and that at 
his funeral a petition ascended to heaven, that his succes- 
sors at the Cherokee station might walk in the White 
Path. His remains were interred amidst a concourse of 
friends, with the honors of war. 

Col. Meigs had three younger brothers who lived to 
adult age, Giles, John and Josiah. 

Giles Meigs lived and died in this town, and is remem- 
bered by the people. He was a captain of militia in 
the Revolution, and went with his company to New 
London. 

John Meigs entered the army a volunteer at the be- 
ginning, and served through the war. He was attached 
to the regiment of Col. Webb, was appointed adjutant, 
and for a time acted as brigade major. He soon receiv- 
ed a commission, and serving a fcAY months as a Lieuten- 
ant, was advanced to a captaincy. During a part of the 
war he wa^ stationed in Rhode Island, and two or three 
years in the neighborhood of the High Lands. He was 
a very active officer, and much beloved by his regiment. 
In 1Y97 he removed to New Hartford, where he died in 
1826, aged 73 years. 

Josiah Meigs was a graduate and tutor of Yale Col- 
lege, subsequently a lawyer, in which capacity he resi- 
ded and acted for a time at Bermuda, where he had an 
opportunity to observe how our vessels and men were 
treated by the English, and to plead in their behalf in 
* 7 



84 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

tlie court of Admiralty. For years afterwards he was 
Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in 
Yale College ; then President of the University of Geor- 
gia at Athens, and then Surveyor General of the United 
States. At last he was placed at the head of the U. S. 
Land office at Washington, where he died in 1822 aged 
sixty-five. 

Gen. Parsons has been repeatedly mentioned. He 
was born at Lyme, and was the third son of Rev. Jona- 
than Parsons, an eminent clerg3anan, for some years 
minister of Lyme, and then at Newburyport, Mass. He 
was graduated at Harvard College in 1T56, and read 
law with his maternal uncle, Hon. Matthew Griswold, 
afterwards Governor of Connecticut. He commenced 
the practice of law in Lyme, and represented that town 
ten or twelve years consecutively in the Legislature. 
Having been appointed King's attorney for New London 
county, he removed to the town of New London in 17 T4. 
He had an elevated standing at the bar, but resigned 
his appointment as King's attorney at the opening of 
the Revolution. About the time of his agency in form- 
ing the plan for taking Ticonderoga, he was made a 
colonel, marched his regiment to Roxbury, and remained 
there until the enemy evacuated Boston. He was in 
the battle on Long Island in August 1776, about which 
time he received an appointment as Brigadier General. 
He was subsequently in many important military tran- 
sactions under Washington and Putnam, about New 
York, the Hudson river and the western section of Con- 
necticut, in which he showed great activity, judgment 
and courage. 

In 1780 he was one of the judges on the trial of Ma- 
jor Andre, and about that time became Major General. 
For his successful attack on the British troops in Mor- 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 85 

risania in 1Y81, Congress requested the Commandcr- 
in-chipf to express to him their thanks. In the latter 
part of this year, the Governor and Council of Safety of 
Connecticut, requested lilm to take the command of the 
State troops and coast guards, and to dispose of them as 
he should judge necessary, to protect the inhabitants 
against desultory expeditions of the enemy. 

Upon the establishment of peace, Gen. Parsons open- 
ed a law office in this town. He was sent to the Legis- 
lature, and in the measures for the formation of Mid- 
dlesex county, was more active and influential than any 
other man. In 1Y85, the year in which this was formed, 
he traveled to Ohio, and in January following held a 
,|^eaty with the Indians, in connection with Gen. Rich- 
ard Butler and Gen. George R. Clark, near the mouth 
of the Great Miami. In this treaty the Indians ceded 
to the United States a large and valuable tract of coun- 
try. He returned home the following spring, and in 
October following, (1Y87,) he was appointed by Congress 
first judge of the territory northwest of the Ohio, but did 
not go forward and enter upon the duties of his office, until 
he had taken a part in the Convention of Connecticut, 
which in January 1Y88 adopted the National Constitu- 
tion. His associates were Gen. James M. Varnum of 
of Rhode Island, and the Hon. John Cleves Symmes* 
of New Jersey. In 1789 Gen. Parsons took a journey 
to the Western Reserve, to make arrangements for form- 
ing a treaty with Indian tribes, who claimed lands in 
that portion of Ohio. In the contemplated treaty, 
Oliver Wolcott of Litchfiefd, the first Governor of that 

* Mr. Symmes was a son of Rev. Timothy Symmes, the first minister 
of Millington, in East Haddam, and father-in-law of Gen. Harrison 
late President of the United States. 



86 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD, 

name, and James Davenport Jun. Esq., of Stamford, 
were appointed by tlie government of Connecticut to act 
with liim. But in tliat treaty he did not take a part ; 
for in returning to his residence in Marietta, he was 
drowned in descending the rapids of the Great Beaver 
Creek, Nov. 17, 1789, aged 52. 

Nehemiah Hubbard, a direct descendant of George 
Hubbard, one of the earliest settlers of this town, was 
born April 10th, 1752, O. vS., and at the age of fourteen, 
went to live with Col. Matthew Talcott, as clerk in his 
store, where he continued until he was twenty-one years 
of age. He then went to the West Indies, first as su- 
percargo, and afterwards as captain and merchant. 

Early in 1776, he entered the army, and in May.^f 
that year, was appointed by Gov. Trumbull paymaster 
to the regiment, commanded by Col. Burrall, and which 
was sent on service to the shore of Lake Champlain. 
He first went and paid the troops at forts Stanwix, Schuy- 
ler, Herkimer, on the Mohawk, and then joined his 
regiment at Ticonderoga, where he remained some time. 
" In May, 1777, he was appointed by Major General 
Greene, who was at that time quarter-master general of 
the United States, his deputy for the State of Connecti- 
cut ; which post he filled until the resignation of Gen. 
Greene. He was again appointed by Colonel Pickering, 
then acting as quarter-master general, but he declined. 
He continued, however, to discharge the duties of depu- 
ty-quarter-master general, till relieved by another per- 
son, when he entered into the service with Wads worth 
and Carter, who supplied the French army. This he 
accompanied to Yorktown, and was present at the siege 
and surrender of Lord Cornwallis." 

" As a provider of pubhc supplies, all his movements 
were marked by decision, promptness and punctuality. 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 8T 

The resources of Connecticut were brought forward at 
the most critical juncture ; and while the army was en- 
during the greatest privations, it was frequently relieved 
by this State, through his energy and extraordinary ex- 
ertion. As a specimen of the confidence reposed in him 
by such men as Washington, Green, Trumbull, and 
Hamilton ; it ought to be mentioned that after the or- 
ganization of the present government, Colonel Hamilton, 
while Secretary of the Treasury, was pressingly urgent 
to have him take the management of an institution which 
he wished to establish^ for promoting the manufactures 
of the country." 

" After the Revolutionary war, he settled here as a 
merchant, where he continued the remainder of his life. 
As a proof of the confidence reposed in his ability and 
integrity^ it may be mentioned, that he was justly placed 
at the head of two of our most important monied insti- 
tutions. He was President of the Middletown Bank, 
from 1808 till 1822, when he resigned, being then seventy 
years of age. He was also the first President of the 
Savings Bank, and held that place until his death." 

" Many instances have come to the knowledge of the 
writer, in which he showed the most enlarged liberality, 
in furnishing young men and other persons with money, 
to enable them to begin and advance in business." 

" The person of Mr. Hubbard was rather above the 
ordinary stature : his appearance very commanding, and 
he retained a very erect form till the last, with an un- 
common exemption from most of the infirmities of age. 
His memory and judgment seemed to be unimpaired to 
the last. His judgment was quick, discriminating and 
rarely erroneous. In his deportment there was always 
a most noble frankness, nor did he fail honestly to re- 
prove, when he saw rebuke required. A reproof from him 



88 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD, 

carried a sting to the conscience, tliat in the end worked 
for good, instead of being productive of rancorous re- 
sentment." 

" As a man of business, he was uncommonly methodi- 
cal and was altogether, one of the first merchants of his 
day. In his private walk and character, were beheld all 
the stern virtues that adorned the lives of some of the 
best of the New England Pilgrim fathers. He was a faith- 
ful attendant on public worship, in one society, during fifty 
years, and for the last eighteen years an exemplary pro- 
fessor of religion. And it must be known to the citizens 
generally, how unremitted were his exertions for the 
cause of Christianity, and for the spread of the gospel 
abroad, as well as for its support at home, together with 
the deep interest which he took in the welfare of the 
church to which he belonged." 

" He gave liberally to all engaged in good works, and 
the calls of the present day are not few. He was, in- 
deed, ever conspicuous, though unostentatious in every 
good w jrk. Than he, Middletown never possessed a 
citizen of more sterling worth or purer patriotism." 

Many of his ancestors and relatives, were distinguish- 
ed for longevity. He died February 6th, 183T, aged 
eighty-five years, and we trust ascended to the eternal 
rest, prepared for the righteous. 

His numerous relatives, descendants and connections 
will look back with veneration to his memory.* 

Other respected inhabitants of Middletown, who help- 
ed forward the Revolution in one capacity and another, 
deserve more notice than can now be given them. 

Matthew Talcott settled in Middletowm as a mer- 
chant about 1750, and was advanced in the militia to 

* Obituary iu Sentinel and "Witness, Feb. loth, 1837. 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 89 

the rank of a colonel. When the Revolution commenced 
he warmly espoused the cause of his country. When 
Middlesex county was organized, he was appointed a 
Justice of the Quorum, and afterwards Judge of the 
County Court. He died August 29, 1802, aged 89. 

Chauncey Whittlesey was educated at Yale College, 
studied theology and licensed to pi-each, but relinquished 
the ministry as his profession without relinquishing his 
attachment to the gospel. He entered into mercantile 
concerns, and was distinguished for correct business 
habits. In 1776 he was on a committee '' to procure 
and purchase such articles of refreshment and clothing, 
as should be directed by the Governor and his Council 
of Safety," and in that and in the succeeding year, thou- 
sands of dollars Avere expended by him in procuring and 
purchasing such articles. From December 1797, until 
August 1801, he was collector of customs for the port 
of Middletown. He died in March 1812, aged 63. 

Elijah Hubbard, in May 1777 was appointed by the 
Governor and Council of Safety " commissary and 
superintendent of the stores provided by the State, for 
the Continental troops." From the instructions given 
him for the collection of supplies, the drafts upon him 
for them, and the various references to him in the doings 
of that committee, it is apparent that great confidence 
was reposed in him, and that the support and comfort 
of the soldiers depended much upon his proceedings. 
He was a justice of the peace, and for the last six years 
of his life a justice of the Quorum. He died suddenly 
at Hartford, while attending the General Assembly, May 
30, 1808, aged 62 ; of which body he had been a mem- 
ber in more th^n thirty sessions. 

John Pratt, a native of Hartford, entered into the 
army at the commencement of the Revolution, and rose 



90 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

to the rank of captain. He served his country through 
the war of the Revokition, and through the Indian -vvar 
which followed and which raged in Ohio, was under Gen. 
St. Clair and Wayne, sharing in the mortification of 
the former from defeat, and the gratification of the lat- 
ter from victory. Having been long in military life and 
further services from him being less needed, he resigned 
his commission near the close of 1793. He settled soon 
after in Middletown, where his gentlemanly manners, his 
good sense and integrity, gained the affections and con- 
fidence of the people. He was a magistrate, and re- 
peatedly elected Representative to the Legislature, some- 
times by the votes of both parties in politics. He died 
December 27, 1824, aged 71. 

What the people did for physicians for half a centu- 
ry, I know not unless those who had the cure of souls, 
undertook to cure the body, which ministers did then 
frequently. Dr. John Cooper, ^vhose name is honorably 
associated with medical skill, lived here about 1700. 
Dr. John Arnold came from Haddam some thirty years 
after, and lived here until his death in 1754. He was 
probably instructed by the Rev. Phinea^ Fiske of that 
town, who was an eminent physician as well as divine. 
Before his death Dr. Abijah Moores was here, who died 
in 1759. Contemporary with these two men, and sur- 
viving them, was Dr. Elio^Rawson, a direct descendant 
of the celebrated Edward Rawson, long Secretary of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Contemporary with 
the two physicians last mentioned for a while, though 
dying sooner than the latter, was Dr. John Osborne. — 
Medical authority pronounces him " a very respectable 
physician."* He ranked higher as a scholar than most 

* Thatcher'a Medical Biography, pp. 413, 14. 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 91 

of the literary men of his day, and was also a poet. 
When in College at Cambridge he was distinguished for 
mathematical investigations, and for his Latin verses. 
One of the professors pronounced his hexameters truly 
Virgilian. Before he was graduated in 1737, he wrote 
an elegy on the death of a young sister, and addressed 
it to an elder one. It Avas written in the Spring of the 
year, and he begins by describing with great beauty the 
charms of the season, and then addresses his bereaved 
and sympathizing relative ; 

" But, Sister, all the sweets that grace 
The Spring, and blooming nature's face, 

The chirping birds, 

Nor lowing herds, 

The woody hills, 

Nor mumuring rills, 

The Sylvan shades, 

Nor flowering meads 
To me their former joys dispense, 

Tho' all their pleasures court my sense, 
But melancholy damps my mind ; 

I lonely walk the field 
With inward sorrow filled. 

And sigh to every breathing wind. 
I mourn our tender Sister's death 
In various plaintive sounds, 
While hills above, and vales beneath 
Their faultcring note rebounds. 
Perhaps when in the pains of death 
She gasp'd her latest breath, 
You saw our pensive friends around 
With tears bedew the ground ; 
Our loving father stand, 
8 



92 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

And press her trembling hand, 

And gently cry, my child adieu. 

We all must follow you. 
After Mr. Osborne was graduated, he was offered a 
tutorship in Harvard College, but declined the honor. 
About this time residing at his father's house in East- 
ham, Mass., and in the midst of companions accustomed 
to a sea-faring life, he wrote his Whaling Song, which is 
as sportive, as the elegy, from which we have quoted, is 
plaintive. It has been sung with rapture by our hardy 
adventurous whalemen in all latitudes, whither they have 
gone to harpoon the monsters of the deep. Besides 
these poetic effusions, there are a few stanzas, whicli our 
author wrote upon his death bed, which are religious, ex- 
pressing his resignation to death, and anticipations of 
heaven. 

Dr. Osborne died May 31, 1Y53, aged 40, leaving a 
widow and six children. 

Dr. John Osborne, son of the preceding, studied medi- 
cine at Hartford, under Dr. Morrison, an eminent physi- 
cian from Scotland, and in 1768, before he had attained 
his majority, he went with the army that attacked Ticon- 
deroo-a in the second French war, and in a subordinate 
capacity was in the medical department of the Provin- 
cial troops." He practised in this place more than sixty 
years, about as long a space as was occupied by all his 
predecessors, if we except Dr. Rawson. He was a man 
of very extensive reading, and for many years possessed 
the best medical library in the State. His knowledge of 
the materia medica was accurate and extensive, and he 
excelled in chemistry. He exerted himself greatly to 
remove the prejudices against inoculation for the small- 
pox, and to improve the treatment of that distressing 
disease. About one thousand and two hundred persons 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 98 

"Were inoculated here in tlie winter 1777 and '78. Ho 
was one of the founders of the medical Society of the 
State, and gave instruction to students in medicine. As 
a practitioner he was eminent. He appreciated the 
worth of well-bred and faithful physicians, but held 
quackery in the utmost abhorrence. He had great sen- 
sibility, quick apprehension and strong passions ; he 
spoke his mind fearlessly when and where he pleased, 
and it was not safe for any to attack him in words, for 
none better understood the retort keen. The numerous 
anecdotes still circulating respecting him, when well 
told, present him directly before our 03 e >, and yet his 
heart was not a stranger to kind emotions. Among his 
patients were the poor and unfortunate, and to these he 
was merciful. He died in the summer of 1825, aged 
eighty- three. 

Dr. John Dickinson, son of Rev. Moses Dickinson of 
Norwalk, was a well informed physician. He began to 
practice in Wallingford, but removed to this town upon 
an invitation from the selectmen, and was here liberally 
patronized, and repeatedly sent a Representative to the 
Legislature in the time of the Revolution. Soon after 
that period he declined professional business, but acted 
as a magistrate and influential man in the town. In 
1793 he was appointed a Judge of Probate, and in 1796 
Judge of the County Court, both which offices he held 
until 1807. He died in 1811, aged eighty-two. 

It sometimes occurs, that superior talents are found in 
the same family through several successive generations. 
Two physicians by the name of Osborne, father and son 
have been described. The latter had four sons who 
were all literary men, John Chevers and Samuel Osborne 
physicians, and Joseph and WiUiam Franklin Osborne, 
Xnerchants^ 



94 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

Dr. John C^Osborne, received his classical education 
under that eminent teacher, Rev. Enoch Huntington, and 
his medical education exclusively under his father. He 
began practice in Newbern, N. C, in 1T87, and con- 
tmued there twenty years. He was well known as a 
successful practitioner, and was repeatedly placed at the 
head of the Medical Society of that district. From 
Newbern he removed to New York, and was soon after 
introduced to a large practice } was created professor of 
the Institutes of medicine, in the Medical Faculty of 
Columbia College, and upon the union of that faculty 
with the College of Physicians and Surgeons, was again 
appointed to a professorship. He died of pulmonary 
consumption in the island of St. Croix, upon the day of 
his landing, March 5th, 1819. 

Dr. Thatcher, to whom I am indebted for these facts, 
observes further concerning him : 

^- With his professional erudition Dr. Osborn united 
great literary acquirements, and his knowledge of books 
was varied and extensive. These acquisitions he often 
displayed in his course of public instruction. His view 
of the materia medica as a science, was equalled by few, 
and his knowledge of the actual medical qualities of the 
native productions of our soil, was a subject which he 
delighted to investigate, and in his practice, and by his 
instructions, he earnestly enjoined an acquaintance with 
these important medical agents." 

" Dr Osborne was a man of much more science and 
eminence in his profession, than either his father or his 
grandfather, and possessed a very fine taste for poetry, 
Belles-letters and painting. While quite a young man> 
Mr. Barlow submitted to him and his friend, the late 
Richard Alsop Esq., the manuscript of the " Vision of 
Columbus," for their correction and revision, previous ta 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. " 95 

its publication. His taste in painting was higlily culti- 
vated, and he might have attained to great eminence as 
an artist."* 

Dr. Samuel Osborne, was a physician of quite respec- 
table standing, first in Brooklyn, and then in New York 
city 

Joseph Osborne and William Franklin Osborne, both 
were endowed with poetic talents. 

I have seen three pieces of the former. Two of them 
were written to be spoken by lads at an exhibition fol- 
lowing the examination of a school, one at the beginning 
and the other at the close, at which parents were expect- 
ed to be present. They express finely the feelings of 
children and parents on such occasions. The third piece 
is a paraphrase on the third chapter of the Epistle of 
James. As a specimen of this, take the first stanza : 
" Him inayest thou deem a perfect man, whose word, 
To give offence or paia was never heard : 
Who rules his tongue ; is master of the art. 
To rule his passions and control his heart." 

A number of deceased physicians, besides those al- 
ready mentioned, practised here. But most of these died 
so recently that they are still remembered, and we have 
not time now to speak of them particularly. 

Dr. Nathaniel Little resided in the Upper Houses 
from 1Y42 to 1746 ; who, after the latter date is sup- 
posed to have removed to Lebanon. Of his practice and 
skill nothing is known. 

Between 175T and the close of the last century. Dr. 
Aaron Roberts, and four or five other physicians, practis- 
ed inlEe Upper Houses for shorter or longer periods. 

Dr. Asher Ward, a native of the parish, practised m 



* Thatcher's Medical Biography. 
* 8 



96 ADDRESS OF DR. FTELI>^ 

Middlefield, probably some eight or ten years, and died 
there in 1788. Dr. Jehiel Hoadley, after a much longer 
practice, died there in J.810. About 1785, Dr. Josiah 
Hatch practised for a short time in Westfield. He af- 
terwards practised in New Hartford, but spent the lat- 
ter part of his life in Grandville, Miss., where he died 
in August, 1834, aged 80- 

It is probable that the settlers in Portland employed 
physicians from this side the river, for more than thirty 
years. The Rev. Moses Bartlett, who was settled there 
in 1733, and died in 1766, was a physician ; as Avas also 
a son of his who bore his name, and lived until 1810. 
The former studied both theology and medicine, with 
Rev. Phineas Fiske of Haddam, his father in-law ; and 
the latter, with Dr. Benjamin Gale of Killingworth, 
now Clinton. Contemporary with this physician for 
some years, was Dr. Thomas Wells,, and also Dr. Elisha 
Phelps. 

Dr. Joshua Arnold, brother of Dr. John Arnold, and 
probably instructed by Mr. Fiske, was a physician in 
Middle Haddam at an early period, and was succeeded 
by Jeremiah Bradford and Amos Skeele. 

Dr. Robert Usher w^as a native of Millington, in East 
Haddam, and a student of Dr. Huntington of Windham. 
He settled in that part of Chatham which was attached 
to the parish of Westchester, in 1762. Upon the break- 
ing out of the Revolution, he went as a volunteer to the 
vicinity of Boston,, and in Jan., 1776, " w^as appointed 
surgeon, &c., for Wadsworth's regiment, in the recruits 
(then) raised for Cambridge," and served some time in 
in that capacity. He died in 1820, in his 77th year. 

Titus Hosmer, Esq., has been mentioned, and more 
must be said of him. While in Yale College, he w^as 
distinguished for the acquisition of science, excelled in 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 9T 

the languages, and in fine writing. Being graduated in 
1757, he probably settled here about 1760. 

By nature he had the genius of a poet, and there is 
said to be a hymn in existence composed by him. He 
encouraged Barlow to write the Vision of Columbus, as 
Barlow gratefully acknowledges in an elegy addressed to 
his widow. 

" Come to my soul, shade of Hosmer, como> 
Tho' doubting senates ask thy aid in vain ; 

Attend the drooping virtues round thy tomh, 
And hear awhile the orphan'd muse complain. 

The man which thy indulgence bade aspire, 
And dare pursue thy distant steps to fame, 

At thy command she first assumed the lyre, 
And hop'd a future laurel from thy name. 

How did thy smiles awake her infant song ! 

How did thy virtues animate the lay ! 
Still shall thy fate the dying strain prolong, 

And bear her voice with thy lost form away." 

In the subsequent part of the elegy, Barlow sympa- 
thizes with the large, and greatly afflicted family, and 
extols the excellencies of his friend. 

The profession which Mr. Hosmer chose, led him to 
cultivate the powers of the understanding, rather than the- 
imagination ; and in this profession, faithfulness to his 
clients and strong powers of reasoning, soon raised him 
into esteem with the bar and the court ; and secured him 
not only much professional business, but civil ofiices of 
honor and importance. Besides the common town offi- 
ces and the commission of the peace which he held, he 
was elected a Representative to the General Assembly, 
from October, 1773, constantly until May 1778, when 



98 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

he was elected an assistant, and thus annually until 1780, 
the year of his death. In 1TT7, he was speaker of the 
house of representatives, and had great influence in 
prompting the Legislature to the adoption of vigorous 
measures against Great Britain. During a part of the 
war of the Revolution, he was a member of the Council 
of safety, and in 1778, besides being an assistant in the 
State Legislature, he was a member of the Continental 
Congress. In January, 1780, when the plan was ma- 
tured by Congress, for establishing a Court of Appeals, 
principally for the revision of maritime and admiralty 
cases in the United States, he was elected one of the 
three judges. There seems to have been an understand- 
ing, that one of the judges should be elected from a 
southern, one from a middle, and one from an eastern 
section of the country. Seven men were put in nomina- 
tion for election, and when the votes were cast, George 
Wythe of Virginia, William Paca of Maryland, and 
Titus Hosmer of Connecticut, were chosen. Mr. Wythe 
declined the appointment, Mr. Paca' and Mr. Hosmer 
accepted. But on the duties of this appointment Mr. 
Hosmer was not permitted to enter, dying suddenly, 
August 4th, 1780, aged 44. 

- His person was above the common size, and his comi- 
tenance expressive. His passions were naturally quick 
and strong, but kept under discipline. Fond of conver- 
sation, and extensively acquainted with men and books, 
he often entertained at his house a group of friends who 
courted his society. In deliberative bodies he was al- 
ways heard with that attention and pleasure, which are 
secured by lucid and manly argumentation, connected 
with probity and patriotism. He was, in one word, a 
gentleman of correct moral habits, a thorough scholar, a 
learned and eloquent lawyer,, and a sound practical states- 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 99 

man ; deeply versed in national law and universal histo- 
ry. An obituary notice of him in the Connecticut Cour- 
ant, says, that he was endowed with a natural genius and 
capacity of uncommon magnitude, which, cultivated by 
the best and most liberal education, and continually im- 
proving, shone with remarkable lustre, and made him 
eminently useful in every department of life. Such 
abilities and improvements, joined with the most polish- 
ed and engaging manners, formed him, in a rare degree, 
for influence and service among mankind. He is also 
styled in this notice, " the gentleman, the scholar, the 
friend, the patriot, the judge, the benefactor." 

The celebrated Dr. Noah Webster regarded him as 
one of the greatest men Connecticut ever produced. Ho 
numbered him among the three " mighties^^^ : and these 
three he designated as William Samuel Johnson, L.L. D. 
of Stratford, Oliver Ellsw^orth of Windsor, Chief Jus- 
tice of the United States, and the Hon. Titus Hosmer 
of Middletown. 

Mr. Samuel Whittlesey Dana, son of Rev. James 
Dana, D.D. of Wallmgford, afterwards of New Haven, 
was graduated at Yale College in 1775, and soon after 
came to this town. Having prepared himself for his 
profession, he opened a law office. He had popular tal- 
ents, and his appearance at the bar was admired, and had 
he devoted himself entirely to his profession, he would 
probably have commanded a large amount af pi-actlce. 
By military promotions he was advanced to the command 
of a brigade. But his friends early sought to bring him 
forward into political employments, first by electing him 
a representative to the State Legislature, and then to the 
Councils of the nation, so that for a course of years he 
acted rather as a statesman than a lawyer, being either 
^ representative or a senator in Cop^ress through a part 



100 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

of the administration of Washington, through the whole 
of the administration of Adams, Jefferson and Madison, 
and a portion of that of Monroe. During this period, 
suhjects of great difficulty and emharrassraent came be- 
fore the National Legislature, concerning which very dif- 
ferent opinions were formed. General Dana, though 
frank in expressing his OAvn views^ conducted himself in 
such a manner that he retained the respect of both par- 
ties, as well as of his constituents. In the latter part of 
his life he was several years mayor of the city of Mid- 
dletown : he also accepted the office of presiding Judge 
of the County Court, which he held until his death in 
July, 1830. 

Mr. Asher Miller, a native of the parish of Middle- 
field, belonged to a class in Yale College, which was 
graduated in 17T8, and has always been admired for the 
amount of talent which it contained. He ranked well 
in this class, and after he left college, made himself ac- 
quainted with geology, mineralogy and chemistry, much 
beyond scholars generally who lived at that time. He be- 
came a lawyer, and the people here esteemed and honored 
him. Though it is not likely that he began to practice 
law before 1780, yet iu 1785 he was elected a representa- 
tive to the Legislature and repeatedly afterwards, and 
the Legislature so esteemed him for his knowledge of law 
^nd integrity, iliat in 1793 they appointed him a judge 
of the Suporioi' Court, He resigiied his seat in 1795. 
Sometime after he w^^nt to the Souths to survey a tract of 
wild land about the mouth of the Yazoo river, for a com- 
pany who were hoping out of those lands to realize a for- 
tune. He was again elected a representative to the 
Legislature, was long an assistant and many years pre» 
Biding judge of the county court, and judge of probate. 
Upon the death of Col, Hamlin in 1791, he wa^s electect 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD* lOl 

mayor of the city, and held this office, with the two offi- 
ces just mentioned, mi til his death, Decemher 24 th, 1821. 
Two sons of the Hon. Titus Hosmer became lawyers, 
Stephen Titus Hosmer and Hezekiah Lord Hosmer. 
The former entered Yale College, and pursued his stud- 
ies there, until the supension of the regular operations of 
the College in the Revolution, after which ho completed 
his collegiate course under Dr. Dwight, and his name is 
enrolled in the class he entered, which was graduated in 
1782. He studied law with the Hon. William Samuel 
Johnson, and the Hon. Oliver Ellsworth, his guardian, 
and about IT 85 commenced practice in this place. Left 
without patrimony, he was thrown upon his own efforts 
for support and fame, and by the steady exertion of his 
talents he soon secured a very large practice ; larger it 
is believed than any lawyer who has lived in this county, 
and which he retained until he was appointed a judge of 
the Superior Court in 1815. His custom was to read 
the books connected with his profession with such fixed 
attention, and so repeatedly, page by page, that the con- 
tents became indelibly fixed upon his memory, and he 
could call up at will nearly all the reports of cases in 
support of any point, without referring to his books. 
By this means he acquired a wonderful memory, which 
was of great service in his judicial labors. His briefs 
were prepared with very great attention, the points clear- 
ly stated, and cases numerously cited. His habits were 
exceedingly regular, each week day being devoted to the 
study of law, interrupted only by the hour's walk which 
he daily took, and each evening devoted to general read- 
ing ; for which enjoyment he had the means in a large 
library, containing among other books, many on the- 
ology, which he loved to peruse. He was also ex- 
ceedingly fond of music, wliich he studied scientifically, 



102 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

and for many years in the earlier period of his life, he 
was a very skilful and acceptable leader of sacred mu- 
sic in the sanctuary of God. Among other honors con- 
ferred upon him by his fellow citizens, he was repeatedly 
elected into the Council of the State. In testimony of 
his great attainments and high standing, the Corporation 
of Yale College some years before his death, gave him 
the degree of Doctor of Laws. 

In 1815, when he was first appointed judge, the Su- 
perior Court consisted of nine judges, a chief judge and 
eight associate judges, and thus remained until the adop- 
tion of the present constitution in 1819, though several 
changes occurred among the associate judges. The 
Court was then constituted of five judges ; Mr. Hosmer 
was appointed chief justice, and three of the former 
judges and one new judge were appointed his associates. 
In this elevated situation he continued until January 
10th, 1833, when arriving at the age of seventy, his 
term ceased by a provision of the constitution. He died 
in Middletown, August 6th, 1834, and the following 
obituary notice was issued the next week, in the New 
England Advocate then published in this city. This is 
given entire, with the exception of a few sentences, con- 
taining facts already stated. 

" The observances at his interment by the public author- 
ities and institutions of the place, and the citizens gen- 
erally^, evince the universal estimation of his worth." 

A particular notice of the character of those who have 
become distinguished for superior talents^ virtues or ser- 
vices, affords a rational gratification to their surviving 
relatives and friends — is just to their memory — and cal- 
culated to be useful by inciting to the performance of 
duty. 

To none is such a tribute more especially due, than to 



Address of dr. jfield. 103 

the subject of these remarks. The country at large, 
durmg the long course of years, which Judge Hosmer 
has occupied a seat upon the bench, have had a full op- 
portunity to observe the exhibition of that extraordinary 
legal learning and purity which are evinced by his repor- 
ted judgments and opinions ; and it is not too much to 
say, that they have placed his name in the rank of our 
most distinguished and respected jurists. So far as the 
opinions of intelligent judicial tribunals and officers, are 
respected in other states than those in which they arc 
pronounced, no judge has left higher claims than Judge 
Hosmer to the gratitude of those engaged in judicial 
pursuits or studies, out of this State. Following the ex- 
ample of several most illustrious judges of our country, 
particularly Parsons and Kent, it was not unfrequejitly 
the case that his opinion contained, not only the reasons 
for the judgment given in the particular case before him, 
but a collection of the leading cases on the subject gen- 
erally, and a concise and lucid epitome of the law as in- 
volved in them. By this means, although a great por- 
tion of the opinion would not, perhaps, be deemed au- 
thoritative, the reader was furnished with an abstract 
of the leading principles applicable to the subject m one 
connection, and at the same time, the deliberate views of 
an able jurist, entertained after consultation with his fel- 
low judges. What ever prejudice may exist in the minds 
of some against the expression of the opinions of Courts, 
on points other than those necessarily involved in the 
case before them, it is believed that on the whole, the 
benefits of that course far exceed its disadvantages. 
The opinions pronounced by Judge Hosmer, of this de- 
scription, are most full and precise, prepared with much 
care — expressed with great perspicuity and force — and 
arranged with entire method; and they constitute so 
9 



104 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

many valuable elementary treatises, so to speak, for the 
instruction of the judge, practitioner and student. 

Such are some of the benefits, which the country at 
large have derived from the public services of Judge 
Hosmer. In addition to these, his native State has be- 
held in him for the eighteen years in which he has been 
a member of her highest judicial tribunal, and of which 
he was the Cliief Justice for fourteen years, the model 
of that industry, punctuality, urbanity, impartiality, 
dignity and patience, which, united to extensive legal 
acquirements and sound judgment, constitute a perfect 
judge. The progress of public business was never 
checked by his absence, nor retarded by his remissness. 
He accorded to all the most punctilious courtesy, and 
was not only willing, but anxious to listen to all that 
could be suggested with propriety on the subject under 
discussion : while he ever maintained the dignity and 
honor of the Court, by exacting a proper regard to its 
honor and rights in the intercourse between the Court 
and its attendants, and of the members of the bar among 
each other. And it was always evident, that no person- 
al, sinister, or calculating motive swayed his judgment. 

His life was almost exclusively devoted to study. He 
preferred the pleasures of reading, to those of society. 
But his studies were by no means confined to his profes- 
sion. His attainments in theology, history and general 
literature were very extensive, as his conversation and 
fugitive writings evinced. And it cannot be unknown to 
many, that he had a fine taste, and an enthusiastic fond- 
ness for music. 

His habits of exercise and study, were most regular 
and exact, for a great many of the late years of his life ; 
and even after his retirement from the bench, until reduc- 
ed and enfeebled by his last illness, he devoted daily, 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 105 

Stated portions of his time to exercise and to study. 
Until his last illness prevented him from taking his usu- 
al walks, we never felt the full force of that beautiful 
line of Gray, 

"One morn I missed him on th' accustom'd hill." 

To his unvarying habit of morning, noon and evening 
exercise, he attributed the preservation of his health, 
which was never seriously, and but seldom slightly dis- 
ordered. 

His temperament was ardent, but his disposition most 
friendly and forgiving. Every object of philanthropy, 
and every case of suffering or want, immediately excited 
his sympathy and aid. And among the excellent traits of 
his character, one of the most striking was his readiness 
at all times to render service, by his advice and investi- 
gation, to the younger members of the legal profession, 
who applied to him for assistance. His eager thirst for 
the improvement of himself and others, led him at once 
to examine every subject on which he was consulted, and 
freely to communicate the result of his thoughts and 
enquiries. His personal appearance was commanding, 
his deportment dignified, his manners affable, and his 
elocution polished and graceful. At the age of forty- 
three, he publicly united himself to the church, and 
adorned his religious profession by the life and conversa- 
tion of a christian.'' 

Connecticut has gained celebrity from the number 
of literary and distinguished men, whom she has raised 
up and sent forth into different parts of the country, 
many of whom have held seats in the National Legisla- 
ture, and others important offices under the General Gov- 
ernment or in the States. In this good work Middle- 
town has had a share. The Hon. Josiah Meigs has been 
mentioned. In the same class to which he and Judge 



106 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

Miller belonged, were Ezekiel Gilbert of this town, and 
Ebenezcr Sage of Portland. The former became a law- 
yer, settled in Hudson, N. Y., and was a member of 
Congress ; the latter became a physician, settled in Sag 
Harbor, L. I., was a literary and political man, and also 
a member of Congress. Hezekiah Lord Hosmer w^as a 
lawyer in Hudson, and succeeded Mr. Gilbert in the Na- 
tional Councils. In the class of 1785, at Yale College, 
were John Dean Dickinson, son of Dr. John Dickiijson, 
Return Jonathan Meigs, jr., and Phineas Miller, all na- 
tives of this town. Mr. Dickinson settled in Troy, N. 
Y., and was a member of Congi-ess. Mr. Meigs was 
admitted to the bar in this place, and was a lawyer in 
Marietta, Ohio; chief justice of the Supreme Court in 
that State, and also governor ; a senator in Congress, 
and besides other honors conferred upon him by the gov- 
ernment of the country, post-master general of the 
United States.* Mr. Miller was a literary and polish- 
ed man, a co-partner of Eli Whitney in the cotton-gin, 
a judge in one of the counties of Georgia, and a member 
of the State Senate. 

Silas Stow, a native of this town, and a lawyer here 
about 1T95, moved to Lowville, N. Y., and was a mem- 
ber of Congress.. He died January 19th, 1827, aged 53. 
At a later period, Henry Randolph Storrs moved from 
this place to Utica, N. Y., practiced law, and was sent 
a Representative to the National Legislature. 

Among the distinguished natives of Portland, besides 
Dr. ^age, Asahel Hooker Strong, son of Rev. Dr. 
Strong, and Rev. Dr. Samuel Shepherd, may be men- 
tioned. Mr. Strong ranked among the very first 
scholars in his class, was a good special pleader at 



* See Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio, p. 514. 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. lOT 

the bar, and had he lived, would have been worthy of a 
seat on the bench of the Superior Court. Dr. Shepherd 
has recently died, and his talents, standing, influence 
and usefulness in the ministry are well known. 

The Rev. James Brainerd Taylor, was a native of 
Chatham, and it may be stated in this connection, that 
one of the physicians of this town, though not a native 
of it, was some years since elected a Representative to 
Congress from another part of this State, the late Samuel 
Simons, M. D., of Bridgeport. 

The younger Richard Alsop, Esq., has been incident- 
ally mentioned as called upon by Mr. Barlow, to exam- 
ine the manuscript of his Vision of Columbus. Though 
occasionally engaged in agricultural and commercial 
concerns, Mr. Alsop spent most of his days in the pur- 
suit of elegant literature : for which he had an unusual 
fondness. He was an adept in the classical literature of 
England, and familiar with the French, Spanish and 
Italian languages. His love of poetry was enthusiastic, 
and was abundantly gratified by reading and composi- 
tion. Numerous poetical pieces, published in -newspa- 
pers and magazines, and others issued in different forms, 
were well received, and did honor to his genius. Other 
works gave him a respectable standing as a prose writer. 
These writings have been many years before the public, 
and his character is well known. They are all character* 
ized by purity of expression, and indicate that delicacy 
of thought and feeling which appeared in his private life. 
He died suddenly at Flatbush, L. I., on the 16th of Au- 
gust, 1816, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. 

John Alsop, the youngest brother of Richard, practic- 
ed law for a short time in New London, was then for a 
short time a bookseller in Hartford, and afterwards for 
a longer period in New York. The latter part of hi;a 
* 9 



108 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

life was spent in Middletown, where he died in 1841a 
He was a literary man, and wrote various pieces of poe- 
try for his own gratification and not for the public eye. 
The editor of the work, styled " Poets of Connecticut,'' 
observes concerning him : " The writings of the young- 
er Alsop, although less melodious than those of his 
brother, are yet characterized by so much vigor of 
thought and justness of taste, as to warrant the belief, 
that had he prepared them for publication, they would 
have proved fully competent to sustain undiminished the 
poetical honors of his name," 

John G. C. Brainerd, who resided here as a lawyer, 
for a short time, was a universal favorite, so sweet was 
his temper, so correct his taste, and so interesting his 
conversation. His fame arose especially from his be- 
coming afterwards the editor of the " Connecticut Mir- 
ror" at Hartford, and issuing in that periodical short 
pieces of prose and poetry. His conversion and his 
profession of religion were both remarkable, and when 
he came to die, faith in Christ turned the shadows of 
death into the light of the morning. 

Arrangements were made in 1824, through the muni- 
ficence of this town, for the i-emoval of Capt. Par- 
tridge's American, Literary, Scientific and Military 
Academy, which had arisen in Norwich, Vt., to this city, 
more accessible and convenient for students from differ- 
erent parts of the country. A fine site for it was se- 
cured, and the foundation of a large substantial edifice 
laid, " according to the forms of masonic order by the 
fraternity," in the presence of numbers of the citizens. 
This and the Chapel being prepared, and the Institution 
opened, its fifth anniversary was celebrated in Septem- 
ber, 1825. The Hon. Samuel W. Dana delivered the 
address, and besides the citizens, more than two hundred 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 109 

cadets from nineteen different States, and from the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, were present to hear him. The oc- 
casion and the audience were adapted to enlist his feel- 
ings and call forth his talents, and he spoke ably in fa- 
vor of the Institution. This was designed to answer to its 
name, to be appropriate to the wants of the American 
Republic, literary and scientific, exceedingly so in some 
branches, a part of the course being military science and 
instruction ; to be " in organization and discipline" 
strictly military, the students to be called cadets, and 
dressed in uniform. It was intended to avoid the defects 
of other literary institutions, and to secure more than 
their advantages ; to gratify different tastes and talents, 
predilections and attainments, by allowing students to 
enter from one to six years, and to advance as fast as 
possible, without detention from those who were less pre- 
pared or more sluggish, regard being had " to a thor- 
ough understanding of the branches" studied ; to edu- 
cate the mind and body together ; to occupy leisure 
hours in agreeable, healthful and useful exercises, and to 
gratify detachments by tours to a distance, once a year, 
to interesting scenery, " battle grounds" and important 
places : — all which is an imperfect sketch of its objects. 

Until 1828, " the exclusive control of the discipline" 
was in the hands of Capt. Partridge ; its instruction by 
himself and teachers whom he employed : then a board 
of six trustees was appointed and the faculty increased. 
Ethical lectures, and other instructions were given by 
the chaplain, Rev. Walter Colton. An important one 
on duelling was given to the public. Others of the fac- 
ulty attended to their assigned branches. The account 
of a tour to the city of Washington, occupies one hun- 
dred octavo pages. 

One catalogue states the number of cadets belonging 



110 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

to the Institution, to be two hundred and forty -three, 
though some twenty of them were in a primary school, 
taught elsewhere. Many students came from the south- 
ern States. Literary gentlemen present at an examina- 
tion, in 1827, spoke very highly of the acquisitions of 
the students. 

Some who were at the academy, have held seats in the 
National Councils, or otherwise have acquired distinc- 
tion in the country or in the States, as writers on milita- 
ry tactics, as engineers, and officers in the Mexican war. 

But the Institution was not continued here. In 1829 
the buildings were vacated and reverted to the proprie- 
tors. ' They were for sale and at a reduced price. This 
occurred at an interesting period in the history of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, when their leading men 
were contemplating the establishment of a College, some- 
where in the north-eastern States. The proprietors 
were desirous of accommodating them. Some other 
places wished for the Institution. In these circumstan- 
ces " the proprietors of the Academy offered their build- 
ings as a gratuity, for the use of a college or university 
forever, on condition that there should be an additional 
endowment raised of $40,000. Citizens of Middletown 
and vicinity, with a commendable zeal, by a public grant 
and by private subscriptions, pledged about §18,000 of 
the endowment." Hence arose the Wesleyan Universi- 
ty, which went into operation in 1830, though not chart- 
ered until the succeeding year. " The charter secures 
to it all the rights and immunities of a University." Ail 
persons are eligible as officers, and admissible as students 
without regard to sect or denomination. 

The Institution could not have been more happy than 
it was, in the selection of its first President. Perform- 



ing an astonishing amount of labor, for one so feeble ia 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. Ill 

health, for the cause of religion and the advancement of 
the oioerations of benevolence. Dr. Fisk labored hard 
and successfully for the University. He loved it until 
death, offered prayers to God in its behalf, and sent en- 
treaties to men, to exert themselves in its favor. His 
last interviews with the members of the Faculty and 
with the students, were adapted to accomplish more than 
the mere excitement of tender emotions. 

The University has already conferred the Baccalau- 
reate degree on four hundred and one students, and has 
now a greater number of undergraduates than ever. Of 
the graduated, seventeen were from this town, seventy- 
five or eighty from the State ; others from more distant 
parts of the country. A large proportion of the whole, 
probably would not have received a collegiate education, 
had not this Institution arisen. Of the graduates, some 
have entered the professions of law and medicine, some 
are holding offices in schools and seminaries of learning, 
and many have become preachers of the gospel. And 
here a fact exists, which deserves particular notice. It 
is this, that quite a number who had entered the minis- 
try in the Methodist Church, have joined the University 
and secured a classical education, that they m-ay more 
happily expound the scriptures, and more extensively 
advance the cause of Christ in the world. 

The University is w^ell established. Having teachers 
long experienced, some of wdiom have been here from 
nearly or quite the beginning, and sustained by the ex- 
isting income ; with libraries, university and society, 
large for the time the institution has existed, with appa- 
ratus and cabinets suited to difierent professorships, 
with several conferences for its patrons, and graduates 
traversing the country, speaking good w^ords in its behalf, 
it possesses the elements of increase and permanency. 



112 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

A tribute of respect is due to the hero of Lake Cham- 
plain, on this occasion. Thomas McDonough was born 
in 1783, in New Castle County, Delaware, and at the 
age of seventeen entered the navy of the United States. 
He went with our fleet to the Mediterranean, where he 
was engaged in the destruction of the Philadelphia frig- 
ate, which the Tripolitans had taken, and the subse- 
quent capture of a Tripolitan gunboat, by the side of 
the gallant Decatur. In these transactions particularly, 
he distinguished himself so much, that he was promoted 
to the rank of lieutenant. His alliance in the family of 
Mr. N. Shaler of this town, and his residence here as a 
citizen, neighbor and friend, are well remembered. 

In Sept. 1812, then a captain, he took the command 
of the United States' naval force on Lake Champlain. 
To entertain anything like adequate ideas of what he 
did while in possession of that command, especially in 
the successful battle near its close, we need to read, or 
rather study, such an accurate and admirable account of 
the whole, as is given by J. Fennimore Cooper, and that 
spreads over twenty-five octavo pages. A sketch mostly 
from that account, is all that can now be attempted. 
Our force on the Lake in 1812 was small, but with that 
Capt. McDonough carried Gen. Dearborn's army into 
Canada, without opposition from the British force, which 
was then considered as inferior, and prevented all inter- 
ruption of merchant vessels on the lake by the enemy, 
and molestation of our inhabitants on its shores. In 
the winter of 1812-13, when the vessels of the belliger- 
ent powers were laid up, both were busily employed in 
altering, repairing and fitting their respective squadrons 
for the ensuing campaign, when it was thought an action 
might take place that would determine the point , which 
of the powers should have the control of the Lake j but 



ADDRESS OF DR. tlELD. 113 

it passed off, and its various operations, without any- 
thing decisive. In the winter of 1813-14, preparations 
were more vigilantly made for the next campaign. Capt. 
McDonough, awake to his responsibilities, was all eye 
and activity, day and night. That campaign brought 
the anticipated result ; but not until the summer had 
passed ; not until the enemy had commenced and built 
that summer the frigate Confiance, a vessel of greater ton- 
nage and force than any we possessed, nor until the Amer- 
icans, aware of what the enemy was doing, built speedily 
by great exertion, the sloop Eagle, which joined our squad- 
ron at the lines, where that was blockading the enemy. 
About the last of August it was well known that the Con- 
fiance was nearly ready for service, and that the whole 
British force by water, consisting of that frigate, the brig 
Linnet, and two sloops of Avar, the Chubb and Finch, with 
eleven or twelve gallies, would soon be in the lake under 
the command of Commodore Downie, and that at the 
same time Sir George Provost would enter the United 
States with a formidable army. The immediate design 
of Sir George was to visit Plattsburgh, where Gen. Mc- 
Combs was commanding with a handful of men in com- 
parison, and where were a great amount of military 
stores, and other public property. The squadron car- 
ried ninety-five guns, and had about one thousand and 
fifty men. 

In these circumstances our squadron sailed from its 
anchorage at the lines, and took a position in front of 
Plattsburgh, to cut off the co-operation of Commodore 
Downie with Sir George Provost, to prevent effectually 
Sir George from receiving any assistance from the British 
squadron in his contemplated attack, and to annoy at 
the same time the British army in its necessary passage 
over a ravine. 



114 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

The Araencan force consisted of the Saratoga, the 
Eagle, the Ticonderoga, the Preble and ten gallies, car- 
rying eighty-six guns. The number of men was eight 
hundred and twenty. By the manner in which Mc- 
Donough anchored his vessels, " with the shoal so near 
the rear of his line as to cover that extremity, and the 
land of Cumberland Head so near his broad side, as 
necessarily to bring the enemy within the reach of his 
short guns, he completely made all his force available." 

Two or three days after, the British entered the lake 
and sailed for Plattsburgh, giving to Sir George Provost 
the preconcerted signal of readmess for attack. 

On the morning of September 11th, the enemy were 
seen coming round Cumberland Head, and as they filled, 
the Americans sprung their broad sides to bear, and a 
few minutes passed in solemn and silent expectation. 
Suddenly the Eagle discharged in quick succession her 
four long eighteens in broadside at first without effect, 
and the enemies gallies opened. As soon as Capt. 
McDonough saw that the Eagle's shot told — he sighted 
himself a long twenty-four, and the gun was fired. This 
is said to have struck the Confiance, and to have passed 
the length of her deck, killing and Avounding several 
men, and carrying away the wheel. This was a signal 
for all the American long guns to open, and it was soon 
seen that the English flag ship, in particular, was suf- 
fering heavily. The Linnet fired a broadside at the 
Saratoga. Commodore Downie had some difficulty in 
anchoring his vessel, and did not fire a gun till his ship 
was secured, " and then it appeared a sheet of flame, 
discharging all her gmis at nearly the same time, princi- 
pally at the Saratoga. The effect of a broad-side from 
sixteen long twenty-fours, double shotted, in perfect 
smooth water, with guns levelled to point blank range 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. llo 

and coolly sighted, was terrible in the little ship that 
received it. About forty men in the Saratoga, near one 
fifth of her complement, it is supposed, were killed and 
womided by this single discharge. The bodies so cum- 
bered the deck that it was necessary to unfasten the 
hatches and pass them below, which was done in a mo- 
ment, and the ship resumed her fire as gallantly as ever. 
Among the slain, however, was the first lieutenant, and 
only one officer of that rank was left in the vessel. All 
the guns on the side first engaged were soon rendered 
useless, and yet in these circumstances, Capt. McDon- 
ough found the means of winding her round and firing 
from the other side. His conduct throughout the battle, 
and particularly at this crisis, has been greatly extolled. 
" The personal deportment of Capt. McDonough in the 
engagement, like that of Capt. Perry in the battle of 
Lake Erie, was the subject of general admiration * 
His coolness was undisturbed throughout all the trying 
scenes on board his own ship, and although lying against 
a vessel of double the force and nearly twice the tunnage 
of the Saratoga, he met and resisted her attacks with a 
constancy that seemed to set defeat at defiance. The 
winding of the Saratoga, under such circumstance, ex- 
posed as she was to the raking broadsides of the Con- 
fiance and Linnet, especially the latter, was a bold, 
seamanlike and masterly measure, that required unusual 
decision and fortitude to imagine and execute. Most 
men would have believed that without a single gun on 
the side engaged, a fourth of the people cut down and 
their ship a wreck, enough injury had been received to 
justify submission ; but Capt. McDonough found the 
means to secure a victory in the desperate situation of 
the Saratoga." 

10 



116 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

The battle lasted two liours and twenty minutes, and 
during the conflict the efforts of the parties were mainly 
against the ships of the commanders, though the Eagle 
suffered much in the loss of men. Commodore Downie 
fought as long as he could. He surrendered none too 
soon. Bad as was the situation of the Saratoga, the 
situation of the Confiance was worse. The former was 
hulled fifty -five times, principally by twenty -four pound 
shot, the latter one hundred and five times. Twenty- 
eight men were killed in the Saratoga and twenty-nine 
wounded, fifty-seven in all. A British officer, "the day 
after the battle, reported the deaths in the Confiance to 
have been forty-one, and the English afterwards admit- 
ted the wounded to have been eighty-three, making a to- 
tal of one hundred and twenty-four, but this number is 
supposed to be much below the truth. Taken in all its 
circumstances, the victory was great and triumphant. 
Capt. McDonough had been honored before, but he re- 
ceived a vast accession of renown from the transactions 
of this day. Besides the usual medal from Congress, 
and various compliments and gifts from different States 
and towns, he was promoted for his services. The Leg- 
islature of New York presented him also, with a small 
estate on Cumberland Head, which overlooked the scene 
of his triumph. " Albany granted him the freedom of 
the city. The officers and crews met with the customa- 
ry acknowledgements, and the country generally placed 
the victory by the side of that of Lake Erie. In the 
navy, which is better qualified to enter into just esti- 
mates of force, and all the other circumstances that en- 
hance the merits of nautical exploits, the battle of 
Plattsburgh Bay is justly placed among the very highest 
of its claims to glory." '' The consequences of this 
victory were immediate and important. During the ac- 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 117 

tlon. Sir George Prevost had skirmished in front of the 
American works, and was busy in making demonstra- 
tions for a more serious attack. As soon, however, as 
the fate of the British squadron was ascertained, he 
made a precipitate and unmilitary retreat, abandoning 
much of his heavy artillery, stores and supplies, and 
from that moment, to the end of the war, the northern 
frontier was cleared of the enemy." 

Commodore McDonough was in the naval service till 
near the time of his death, and in command of the frigate 
Constitution, in the sea where he performed his earliest 
exploits. Forced by continual ill-health to give up the 
command of that ship, he embarked in a private vessel 
from Gibralter on the 24th of October 1825, and on the 
10th of November following, died at sea. On the arri- 
val of his remains at New York, the authorities of the 
city, in sympathy with the feelings of the nation, deeply 
mourned the loss of their country ; the vessels in the 
harbor displayed their colors at half mast, and a detach- 
ment from the militia accompanied the hearse through 
the city. You know where his flesh rests in hope ; — 
where the citizen lingers and the stranger stops to read 
and reflect. To the accomplishments of a gentleman 
and of an officer^ he added the graces of a christian. 
'' In a letter to a relative in his native State, written in 
June 1814, he expatiates upon the happiness which he 
derived from his reliance on the merits and atonement of 
Christ, and earnestly exhorted the friends of his youth 
to a religious life, as the only one which leads to happi- 
ness, and which good sense points out to those convinced 
of the reality of another world. To his brother's widow 
"left in narrow circumstances, he tendered liberal pecu- 
niary aid, declaring that his religion made him the wid- 
ow's friend. On the morning of his great victory he 



118 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

prayed with liis men, and as lie saw the hostile fleet ap- 
proaching, he remarked : '' They are superior to us in 
force, but by the blessing of God we can beat them." 
During the battle he was obliged frequently to work his 
own guns, and three times he was driven across the deck 
by splinters &c., which flew around him. When asked 
how he escaped amid such carnage ? he replied, pointing 
to heaven, *"' there is a power above which determines the 
fate of men."* In announcing his victory to the War 
Department, he said : " The Almighty has been pleased 
to grant us a signal victory on Lake Champlain, in the 
capture of one frigate, one brigand two sloops of war." 
Thus he did homage to the God of battles.! 

In conclusion suficr me to say, the lines are fallen to 
you in a pleasant place, and joii have a goodly heritage. 
There are many rivers in our country, longer and deeper 
than this, with larger cities on their banks than any of 
which we can boast, and the more beautiful and prosper- 
ous they are, so much the better. But the Connecticut 
has alwavs been admired. 

" Fair, noble, glorious river ! in thy wave, 
The sunniest slopes and sweetest pastures lave, 
The mountain torrent, with its wintry roar. 
Springs from its home and leaps upon thy shore : 
The promontories love thee — and for this 
Turn their rough cheeks and stay thee for thy kiss." 
And on this river, or elsewhere it would be difficult to 
find a place, more delightfully situated than this where 
we are assembled, or scenery more charming than that 
which spreads itself around us. The elder President 
Adams in a journey in the month of June 17T1 struck 

* Religious Intelligencer, vol. 10, pp. 454. 



t Allen's B. Dictionary. 



ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 119 

the Connecticut river at Enfield, and passed down 
through Windsor and Hartford to Wethersfield, admir- 
ing the valley on the way, and saying when at the last 
place. " This is the finest ride in America, I believe : 
nothing can exceed the beauty and fertility of the coun- 
try." But when he had proceeded on farther to Prospect 
Hill in Upper Middletown, and the river for miles open- 
ed before him, with the intervals and improvements on 
both sides ; with the luxuriant crops ripening for har- 
vest, the body of this town, and the mountains in the dis- 
tance, he was enraptured, and said ; " Middletown I 
think is the most beautiful of all." Spending two days 
here, he adds : " The more I see of this town, the more 
I admire it." Art and industry have added much to 
the beauty of the place since his visit ; it has many more 
buildings, private and public, and many of superior 
architecture. The city and the scenery are seen to 
great advantage from the river eastward, and from slopes 
and elevations of land in different directions, from the 
dwellings of many of the inhabitants, particularly from 
those on High street, and from the University. By this 
scenery the most pleasing sensations are produced, when 
the sun throws his rays over the eastern hills, and when 
he sinks in the west. 

Until the Valley of the Father of waters, and the re- 
gions beyond the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Ne- 
vada, shall be occupied ; till the mines of California 
shall be ascertained and appropriated, there will be great 
emigrations from the East : and with the rapidly in- 
creasing influx of population from Europe, and recently 
from the Isles of the Pacific, and from Asia, these things 
may be accomplished sooner than w^e expect, and then the 
Tallies of James river and of the Connecticut may come 
afresh into remembrance. In the meanwhile a health- 
* 10 



120 ADDRESS OF DR. FIELD. 

ful increase of population may be expected here. Man- 
ufactures may increase on the little, hut valuable mill 
streams "which come to the borders of the city on 
purpose to bless you. If the calls for the Portland 
stone multiply as they recently have done, there must 
be a dense population on the opposite side of the 
river ; and if foreia'n commerce should not be revived 
with the West Indies, one, more foreign, may be carried 
on by them, through a ship channel across the Isthmus 
to the South Seas, and 'be the more productive by the 
enterprising and adventurous spirits who shall previously 
fly from us. 

Yes, there are attractions enough now, to cause an in- 
crease of population here. And half a century hence, 
a century, two centuries, how many fine dwellings, coun- 
try seats and charming cottages will appear on the sur- 
rounding slopes, and how will society be advanced by 
literature, by science and the arts, by kindness, and 
above all by Christianity. But who shall live at those 
periods ? Our grave yards now are more numerous 
than our churches, and filled with larger congregations. 
The cemetery just laid out will soon be occupied, and 
how many now present, who shall go thither for a walk ; 
to throw flowers on the graves of friends ; to meditate, 
and to thank God for the glorious doctrine of the resur- 
rection, will soon find there their own narrow house ? 
But let us serve God and our generation faithfully, and 
then death will but unite us to our pious ancestry, and 
to the good of all past ages. 



We copy as an appropriate Appendix to Dr. Field's 
Address, the following statistical account of " Middle- 
town as it is," in 1850. It is from the pen of E. M. 
GoRHAM, Esq., and was originally published among the 
correspondence of the New York Journal of Commerce. 

Publishers of Address. 



^j'i()^lefob3i]— Ii§ iy^[ti]i|f[|cioHe:S. 



As a place of residence and natural beautj, Middle- 
town lias few equals and still less superiors. Its numer- 
ous and well arranged shade trees, general healtliful- 
ness, clean and spacious streets, full complement of 
cliurclies and schools, — stately private mansions, with 
ample grounds tastefully ornamented wdth delicate shrub- 
bery and rare exotics, shedding forth, in the season, their 
genial influence — render it one of those quiet rural 
cities Avhere wealth, satisfied with objects that impart 
refinement and rational enjoyment, must ever delight to 
dwell. Located on a gentle rise of ground gradually 
stretching up west from the river to an elevation of one 
hundred and fifty-five feet, (the height of the College 
grounds,) a profusion of beautiful landscape scenery is 
spread out to view, affording the lover of nature ample 
food for '' a feast of reason, and a fiow^ of soul." And 
not upon the city alone has nature made its bountiful be- 
stowments. The surrounding country furnishes many 
fine pleasure drives, and is alike picturesque. Wealth 
it also has in no stinted measure, but like too many 
places possessing superior natural charms, the residence 
of capitalists, it experiences, to too great an extent, the 
need of their capital, without feeling its thrift-giving 
power. 

The neat white dwelling-house, dotting in thick suc- 
cession its central localities, speaking of the honesty and 
trne citizenship of the journeyman mechanic and the 



124 MIDDLETOWN — ITS MANUFACTORIES. 

factory operative, is most lamentaLly, and we might say, 
censurably deficient. There is in and around the city, 
a great surpkis of eligible, yet unoccupied ground, which 
might be profitably laid out into suitable squares or 
plots, and thus afford at a cheap rate a spot upon which 
the steady and prudent mechanic might erect liis " little 
castle," and at the same time instilin to his existence 
principles of frugality and a habit of husbanding his 
earnings, now too often worse than squandered, and, 
perhaps, simply because no such self-elevating and really 
tangible object oflcrs itself as an incentive to sober in- 
dustry and more ennobling action. It is for the capita- 
lists and land-holders of Middletown, to offer these in- 
ducements to economy and frugality if they will, and at 
the same time not only enhance the value of their own 
property, but also add to the real wealth and business of 
the place. 

Although centrally located, it has, nevertheless, in 
its connections with the business and travehng public, 
been almost isolated, like a cast-off member of a family, 
from the rest of the State, and as little sought by in- 
quirers seeking to establish themselves in trade. -With 
no means for the egress and ingress of trade, save by 
river navigation, and, during its close four or five months 
of the year, by means of teamingto gome point of trans- 
portation, it is not strange that its business prosperity 
in times past should have failed to keep pace with that 
of sister towns. One advantage, it is true, it has pos- 
sessed, and still possesses to much greater extent than 
formerly, over most other manufacturing districts of the 
State, — the cheapness of freight on heavier materials 
for home consumption. The large number of vessels 
employed by the Portland quarries, (now some seventy 
sail,) return in ballast after discharging their cargo, con- 



MIDDLETOWN ITS MANUFACTORIES. 12o 

seqiientlj bring freiglits of all kinds on return trips at 
a much less price than could otherwise be afforded, and 
as low, if not even lower, than the same tonnage can be 
had at New Haven, and at cjuite a deduction from the 
cost to places reached only by railroad communication. 
The vantage ground thus given manufacturers of Mid- 
dletown, in connection with the " swift-winged *' loco- 
motive, which note comes in to supply, in part at least 
the deficiency heretofore experienced during the suspen- 
sion of river navia'ation, makes it second to no other 
place in Connecticut as an available manufacturing lo- 
cality, — a fact beginning to be understood as well as put 
to practical use. 

Notwithstanding the limited facilities, especially in 
winter, for forwarding goods to market, against vfhicli 
manufacturers have had, until quite recently, to contend, 
the business of Middletown is much more extensive, 
taken as a whole, than is generally supposed, and no 
small item in making up the aggregate of the manufac- 
turing interests of the State. Among those, who, de- 
spite of these minor difficulties, have profitably estifiblish- 
ed themselves in various branches of ivhoksak manufac- 
ture ; successfully competing with those elsewhere and 
more conveniently situated ; some of whom have gained 
a well deserved reputation throughout the Union for the 
superior quality of their wares, — we find the following 
named ; the statistics of whose business and the kinds 
of goods made, have been gathered during our peregrin- 
ations about the place, with no small degree of care in 
reference to their correctness, as well as entire com- 
pleteness. 

Commencing with the factories on the " Pameacha,'' 
a narrow stream which finds its way along the outskirts 
of the city, over a rocky bed deep buried between high 



126 MIDDLETOWX ITS MANUFACTORIES, 

and rugged banks, we find, first, in one factory, H. L. 
Baldwin, and F. Baldwin, the first making bank and 
store locks, and night latches, employing twelve hands ; 
and the latter plate and closet locks, with eight hands, 
each turning out their appropriate quantum of work. 
Following up the stream, next comes the factory of Wm. 
Wilcox & Co., who make a superior article of plate 
lock, together with a more common lock of the same pat- 
tern, employ twenty hands, and turn off $10,000 worth 
of locks per year. In another part of the same build- 
ing L. D. Vansands makes improved blind fasteners and 
saw-strainers, to the amount of $10,000 annually — and 
gives employment to fifteen hands. Further on stands 
the extensive sash and blind, flooring and planing mill," 
of I. W. Baldwin, who is driving a profitable business, 
and keeps employed some twenty-five hands ; and again, 
the Tweed or Jean mill of the Pameacha Manufactur- 
ing Co., with its twenty operatives, and business of 
$20,000. Still further on, near the juncture of this and 
the Sanseer stream, are the works of Wm. Stroud, 
where machinery, castings, iron dirt scrapers, corn shel- 
lers, ploAVs, &c., ^c, are made, employing in the differ- 
ent branches twenty hands. In the same buildings, Nel- 
. son & Hubbard make rules, squares, and bevels ; and 
employ fifteen hands ; A. H. Derby also has his apart- 
ments for the manufacture of Britannia ware ; and F. 
W. Atkins, for making blind fasteners — each and all 
of whom, judging by the prevailing activity in their sev- 
eral departments, find a ready sale for their labor. 

Crossing from the last named works to " South 
Farms," a village about fifteen minutes walk from the 
Post Office, Ave find located on the " Sanseer Stream," 
the three Factories of the '' Russell Manufacturing 
Company," who have an invested capital of $100,000, 



MIDDLETOWN ITS MANUFACTORIES. 127 

and employ about two hundred operatives in the manu- 
facture of India Rubber Suspenders, cotton, and worst- 
ed webbing, of which they make at the present time the 
amount of from $150,000 to $200,000 a year. On the 
same stream stands the machine shop of the '' Sanseer 
Manufacturing Company," where are made various kinds 
of machinery, by some sixteen workmen. This com- 
pany have considerable repute for the excellence and 
cheapness of their work ; more particularly is this true 
of their machinery for making fine ivory combs. 

Leaving the more eastern suburbs, and retracing our 
steps back to the city, we are attracted when near its 
center by the commingled sounds of the ponderous ma- 
chinery performing its part of the labor in the heavy es- 
tablishment of W. & B. Douglas, who employ about 
eighty workmen, and are sending into all parts of the 
country their highly celebrated " Patent Metallic Pumps, 
and Hydraulic Rams" — articles that have gained a 
widely extended name for their superiority ovei' any Y\i\d 
of pump, or water elevator now in use. In connection 
with these, they are making " Patent wrought iron Butts 
and Hinges " which, like their pumps and rams, are fast 
superseding in market other and less approved stjdes. 
These gentlemen use, of the raw material, of iron some 
six hundred to7is, twenty tons of brass, and in working 
it up, three hundred tons of anthracite coal. Besides 
the articles above named, they also make of hardware, 
" wrought iron washers, well wheels, friction rolls, &c.," 
and a new article of " chain pump." Their entire ma- 
chinery is driven by a powerful and skilfully perfected 
engine of their own manufacture. 

The Messrs. Douglas have raised themselves, increas- 
ing year by year to their present business standing (now 
from $80,000 to $100,000 per year) entirely by their 
11 



128 MIDDLETOWN — ITS MANUFACTORIES^ 

own inventive genius, artistical skill, and the aptness of 
their inventions to the wants of the public- And the 
demand for the labor of their heads and hands, is the 
best evidence that their calculations were based upon no 
visionary and unsound theory, as to what was really need- 
ed to supply the deficiency hitherto experienced in find- 
ing a successful, convenient, and cheap mode of forcing 
water for the various uses to which their Pumps, Rams, 
and other Hydraulic machines are applied. 

Next comes Jesse G. Baldwin, who is largely engaged 
in the silver-plating business, such as tea, table and des- 
sert spoons, forks, fish and butter knives, soup ladles, 
&c., together with the manufacture of patent wire, 
strengthened britannia, and common britannia spoons, 
wares, which, for beauty of finish, diversity of pattern, 
and favorable notoriety, will not suffer, we will venture 
to say, in comparison with anything of the kind made in 
the Union. It is the boast of Mr. B. that he has work- 
men equal in mechanical skill, in his line, to any in the 
country, and from the attractive appearance of the wares 
shown us at his packing and forwarding rooms, the boast 
is far from being an idle one. He employs thirty hands, 
and does a business of from $60,000 to $75,000 per 

year. 

Continuing on through the city, we find Cooley & 
Danforth engaged in getting up the patent abdominal 
supporters and trusses, of Drs. Banning, Fitch, and 
Battle. Aside from the painful necessity of wearing 
these artificial props and supports, it would seem almost 
a pleasure to ^be braced up in so highly finished and 
beautifully wrought instruments. F. A. Hart & Co., 
employing about thirty operatives in making silk and 
cotton corset and shoe lacings, welting cord, shoulder 
braces, &c. Tewksbury & Tuttle, turning out bevels 



MIDDLETOWN ITS MANUFACTORIES. 129 

and squares. H. H. Graves & Co., making a very pretty 
and substantial article of britannia coffee and tea urns, 
sugar and cream cups, lamps and candle sticks, with 
twelve hands. Nathaniel Bacon, a gentleman quite ex- 
tensively known as the maker of superior bank and safe 
locks. H. E. Boardman, manufacturer of gaiter boots 
to the amount of $12,000 per year, employing some fif- 
teen hands. H. & W. Johnson, making the same style 
of boots to the amount of $5,000 or $7,000 per year. 
J. K. Penfield, turning out any quantity of patent grum- 
mets. Penfield & Camp, are doing a business of $6,000 
per year in the manufacture of Judd's medicated liquid 
cuticle, a substitute for sticking and court plasters in 
surgical operations, and for dressing wounds, a remedial 
agent that has only to be tried to know its intrinsic value. 
H. Salisbury & Co., exclusively engaged in making gold 
spectacles to the amount of $20,000 yearly. Gleason 
& Dickinson, doing perhaps a less, but the same kind of 
business. C. F. Smith, who has recently commenced 
the manufacture of sand paper. This last named com- 
pletes the list of wholesale manufacturers in the city. 

Again leaving the city, we will spend a few moments 
among the factories in Upper Middletown. First in the 
list is that of J. & E. Stevens & Co., who are' making 
wardrobe, coat and hat hooks, surplice pins, door but- 
tons, shutter screws, toy and sad iron stands, axes, tack, 
Bhoe and other varieties of small hammers. We might 
thus go on in enumeration until we had reached the sum 
of about seventy different articles made at this establish- 
ment. Half a ton of iron wheels for children's toy wag- 
gons, is here made per week. This kind of wheel was, 
until a very short time since, wholly imported ; now, 
however, those of homemake have, owing to their lesser 
price, and equal quality, driven the foreign make almost 



ISO MIDDLETOWN ITS MANUFACTORIES. 

entirely out of the market. There is another interest- 
ing fact connected with the article of tack hammers here 
made, which is only another of the many instances 
where Yankee inventive ingenuity has triumphed over 
the slower movements and less fertile genius of manufac- 
turers across the water. These miniature hammers are 
made of Scotch iron, which, of course, must first be im- 
ported, and duties paid. A large invoice of the same 
was, a short time since, exported and sold in Liverpool 
in competition with home make, or pauper labor, at a 
clear advance to the shipper of twenty -five per cent. 
The Messrs. Stevens & Co., employ at their works for- 
ty hands, and do a business of from $35,000 to $40,- 
000 a year. William P. Allison makes hammers of the 
Allison, Browns, S. F. Claw, Warner, and cast steel 
stamps, said to be of very desirable styles and quality, 
to the worth of $10,000 a year, and keeps employed 
twelve hands. The Messrs. Norths are manufacturmg 
brass knob chamber or shutter bolts, brass knob barrel^ 
fiat shutter, and improved tower bolts, also steel spring 
square bolts and japanned lifting handles, employ ten 
hands, and do a business of $8,000 to 10,000. Kelsey, 
Wright & Co., get up a fine article of suspender buckles, 
to the amount of $12,000 to $15,000, and employ some 
twenty hands. Still further up, or at Upper Houses, 
Warner & Noble manufacture hammers of the same 
styles as those made by W. P. Allison, and do about the 
•same amount of business.. 

Once more taking our " note book," we will extend 
observations along the " Arrowmammett^' River, which 
rises at Durham, fiows through Middletown, (Middlefield 
Society) and empties into the Connnecticut, affording 
many excellent water privileges yet unoccupied, besides 
those already in use. Commencing at the Reservoir 3, 



MIDDLETOWN ITS MANUFACTORIES. 131 

some five miles out of the city, is the horn button facto- 
ry of Alfred Bailey & Co., Avho are having a successful 
run of business. Turning our face towards the city, we 
successively meet in their order, the works of Mark Mil- 
drum & Co., where are made brass and copper wash ba- 
sins, coal shovels, sifters, &c. ; bone grinding mill of 
Andrew Coe ; the Falls Manufacturing Company, at 
Middlefield Falls, who, with thirty operatives, make sus- 
pender twist, to the amount of $20,000 per year. This 
company have just increased the size of their mill, and 
are otherwise extending business. H. Aston & Co., pis- 
tol factory, in the employ of the United States, have fif- 
ty hands, and make six thousand pistols a year, worth 
$35,000. Blasting powder mill of D. C. Rand, with 
six workmen — the pow^der here made is principally used 
at the Portland quarries. Paper mill of R. F. Brower 
— the style is light and heavy hardware wrapping. 
Carbine Factory of North & Savage, at work for the 
United States. This factory is not now under full blast, 
having just gone through thorough repairs, in anticipa- 
tion of an enlarged business. Factory formerly known 
as Starr's Pistol Factory, now occupied by William 
Ashton, in the manufacture of pistols, and James Tidge- 
well & Son, try-squares, bevels and guages. Comb 
factory of Buckland, Stearns & Co., who employ sixteen 
hands, and turn off from $25,000 to $40,000 worth of 
ivory combs annually. It would seem hardly possible 
for human skill to invent machinery to work more pre- 
cise, and we might say deUcately, than that used at this 
establishment, or to find ivory combs possessing a more 
perfect completeness when finished, than those made by 
this firm. And last, though by no means least, the 
plane factory of Austin Baldwin. Mr. B. has been 
long ^and extensively known as a maker of joiner's 
* 11 



132 MIDDLETOWN ITS MANUFACTORIES. 

planes, and by none better than those who have had oc- 
casion to experience the advantages of a good plane over 
a poor one. Planes of all patterns are here made to 
the amount of $25,000 a year, by twenty-eight workmen. 

Again, in Westfield Society, a pleasant village some 
two miles west of the city, there is a never failing stream 
called " Willow Bridge Brook," having its rise in the 
mountains, and flowing into the Connecticut. There are 
several unimproved water privileges along its course, 
where a fall of twenty to thirty feet might be obtained 
with limited expense. Although it is but quite recently 
that attention has been turned to this stream for its 
manufacturing importance, there are already located here 
a factory owned by James O. Smith, extensively engag- 
ed in making Japan varnish, which has a large sale ; the 
various articles in the line of tin and japanned ware, 
vfhich, owing to its superior quality, has a successful 
competition in market with the foreign make. Mr. S. 
employs twenty hands, and supplies a demand for his 
goods to the amount of from $25,000 to $30,000 per 
year. A mill for weaving coach lace, with some six 
operatives, owned by J. B. Rose. And the factory of 
H. H. Graves & Co., Avhere in addition to their works 
in the city, they make some $5,000 worth of Britannia 
ware. 

As may be inferred from what we have already said, 
Middletown is evidently arousing herself, and shaking 
oft' the rust that has been allowed to gather and eat in- 
to her vitality for years past, and will soon have secured 
an honorable name beside the more noted manufactur- 
ing districts of the State. The factories herein named, 
located in Upper Middletown, have all risen up within 
five years, and other sections of the town -give good evi- 
dence of newly infused business life. The Branch Rail- 



MIDDLKTOVVN ITS MANUFACTORIES. 133 

road to Berlin, little as it meets the actual wants of the 
whole community, has unquestionably assisted to add 
new impetus to manufacturing, as well as to other 
branches of home industry. One manufacturer stated 
to us, that he saved by it in the transportation of his 
wares during the close of the river, at least one dollar 
per day ; and, we presume, the same is true of others 
who have been compelled, at such time, to team their 
goods to a point from whence they could be taken to 
places of destination. 

It is said that more building has been done during the 
past year, than in any previous year within recollection, 
while important projects have taken root which are calcu- 
lated to add very materially to the prosperity as well as 
attractiveness of the place. Not among the least, is the 
purchase and appropriate laying out, by an association 
of gentlemen, of ground for a cemetery. This new 
place of sepulture is a vast and beautiful mound, rising 
to an elevation of some two hundred and twenty -seven feet 
above the river, about one mile from the centre of the 
city and bears the name of Indian Hill Cemetery, its 
name derived, it is said from traditionary story, which 
makes it the place where the Red men of the forest once 
lighted their council fires, and where are deposited the 
bones and hunting implements of several noted chiefs. 
The mound contains some forty-five or fifty acres, tow- 
ers rnajestically above the surrounding country, and com- 
mands at once a most magnificent view far up the river, 
and overlooks the city with its busy life — ever standing 
like a faithful monitor to warn the thoughtless living of 
the fleetness of earthly existence, and to call their at- 
tention from worldly scenes to the solemn spot where 
sleep their kindred and friends. From this calm emi- 
nence, the grave side mourner may, from among the habi- 



134 MTDDT.F.TOVv'K TTS M AKTTFA nTORIES- 

tations of the dead, also catch the inspiration of full- 
lifed nature, and in holy adoration contemplate the good- 
ness and greatness of God, as displayed in his mighty 
■works, as well as in his no less instructive bereavments. 
We know of no cemetery in New England more pleas- 
antly located, or susceptible of greater desirable improve- 
ments. Seven hundred lots, each containing six hundred 
and twenty -five square feet, have been staked ofi", leav- 
ing still ground enough for some seven or eight hundred 
more of like dimensions. 

But to dwell on all that is indicative of the awakening 
of a correct public sentiment as to what is really needed 
to make Middletown what it should be, and what nature 
has designed it to be, would require too much time and 
space. It is enough to say that its course is, in all re- 
spects, if we can frame a conclusion from present eviden- 
ces, henceforth to be QUAvard and upward, and that a very 
few years at the most will place it by the side of the 
most important manufacturing towns of Connecticut. 

E. M. GORHAM. 

Middletown, January 22, 1851. 



' C 



Prepared by Dr. Field to follow his address ; 
Indian Deed ; Origin of early settlers. 

Sketches of the Towns and Societies within the origi- 
nal limits of Middletown, together with the Rise of dif- 
ferent Denominations, their Churches and C. Officers ; 
Lists of Civil Officers, &c. 



(NOTE A.) 

of IVj^l^cliefob^. 



This writing made the twenty-fourth of January 1672, 
between Sepunnamoe, Joan, alias Weekpissick, Machize, 
Wesumpsha, Wamphaneh, Spunno, Sachamas, Taccom- 
huit, proprietors of Middletown, alias Mattabesett, of 
the one part, and Mr. Samuel Wyllys, Capt. John Tal- 
cott, Mr. James Richards, and John Allyn, in behalf of 
the inhabitants of Middletown, on the other part, wit- 
nesseth, that the said Sepunnamoe, Joan, alias, Week- 
pissick, Machize, Wesumpsha, Wamphaneh, Spunno, 
Sachamas, Taccomhuit, being privy to and well acquain- 
ted with Sowheag, the great Sachem of Mattabesett, his 
gift of great part of the township of Middletown to the 
Honorable Mr. Hanyes formerly, and for a further and 
full consideration to us now granted and paid, by the 
said Mr. Samuel Wyllys, Capt. John Talcott, Mr. 
James Richards and John Allyn, have given, granted, 
bargained, sold and confirmed, and by these presents do 
fully and absolutely give, grant and confirm unto the 
said gentlemen, all that tract of land within these fol- 
lowing abutements, viz. on Wethersfield bounds on the 
north, on Haddam bounds on the south, and to run from 
the great river the whole breadth towards the east six 
miles, and from the great river towards the west so far 
as the General Court of Connecticut hath granted the 
bounds of Middletown shall extend ; to have and to hold 



138 NOTE A. 

the aforementioned tract of land as it is bounded, with 
all the meadows, pastures, woods, underwood, stones, 
quarries, brooks, ponds, rivers, profits, commodities, and 
appurtenances whatsoever belonging thereunto, unto the 
said Mr. Samuel Wyllys, Capt. John Talcott, Mr. James 
Richards and John AUyn, in behalf and for the use of 
the inhabitants of the town of Middletown, their heirs 
and assigns forever ; always provided, there be three 
hundred acres of land within the township of Middle- 
tov,^n on the east side of Connecticut river, laid out, 
bounded, and recorded to be and remain the heirs of 
Sowdieag and the Mattabesett Indians and their heirs 
forever ; as also one parcel of land on the w^est side of 
Connecticut river, formerly laid out to Sawsean, shall be 
recorded and remain to the heirs of the said Sawsean 
forever, any thing in this deed to the contrary notwith- 
standing. And the foresaid Sepunnamoe, Joan, alias 
Weekpissick, Machize, Wesumpsha, Wamphaneh, 
Spunno, Sachamas, Taccomhuit, for themselves, do cove- 
nant to and with the said Mr. Wyllys, Capt. Talcott, 
Mr. Richards and John Allyn, in behalf of the inhabi- 
tants of Middletown, that they the said Sepunnamoe, 
Joan, Machize, Wesumpsha, &c., have only full power, 
good right and lawful authority, to grant, bargain, sell 
and convey all and singular the before hereby granted, 
or mentioned to be granted premises, w^ith their and 
every of their appurtenances, according as is above ex- 
pressed, unto the said Mr. Wyllys, Capt. Talcott, Mr. 
Richards and John Allyn, in behalf of the inhabitants 
of Middletown aforesaid, their heirs and assigns forever, 
and that they, the said inhabitants of Middletown, shall 
and may by force and virtue of these presents, from 
time to time and at all times forever^ hereafter, lawfully, 
peaceably and quitely, have, hold, use, occupy and pos* 



NOTE A. 139 

sess and enjoy the aforesaid parcel of land with all its 
rights, members and appurtenances, and have, receive 
and take the rents, issues and profits thereof to their 
own proper use and behoof forever, without any let, suit, 
trouble or disturbance whatsoever of the said Sepunna- 
moe, Joan alias Weekpissick, Machize, Wesumpsha, 
Wampaneh, Spunno, Sachamas, Taccomhuit, their heirs 
or assigns, or of any other person or persons, claiming 
right, by, from or under us, or any of us, or by the 
means, act consent, privity or procurement, and that 
free and clear, and freely and clearly acquitted, exhon- 
erated and discharged, or otherwise well and sufficiently 
saved and kept harmless by the said Sepunnamoe, Joan, 
Machize, Wesumpsha, Wamphaneh, Spunno, Sachamas, 
Taccomhuit, their heirs, executors and administrators, of 
and from all former and other grants, gifts, bargains. 
Bales, titles, troubles, demands, and incumbrances what- 
ever, had, made, committed, suffered, or done, by the 
said Sepunnamoe, Joan, Machize, Wesumpsha, Wamp- 
haneh, Spunno, Sachamas, Taccomhuit. In witness 
hereof they have signed, sealed and delivered this writ- 
ing with their own hands the day and year first above 
written. 

Signed, sealed and de- Sepunnamoe x ^\ 
livered in presence of us, j^^^^, alias ^,7' 
Joseph Nash, Weekpissick, ^lark 

George Graves, his 

Thomas Edwards, Mamachize, X ^ark 

Robert Sanford, Wesumpsha X ^ark 

Nessehegen X^ark Mamphaheh X m^^rk 

WannoaeX^^lJk Spunno X,ni?k 

Tarramuggus X ^^^ark Sachamas X milk 

PuCCaCUn Xxn^ark TaCUmhuit nJ'ark 

Sachamas' 



,1 k> ner 

mother ^ mark 



12 



140 NOTE A. 

The original is entered in the old Court Book of Re- 
cords, fol 70, April 5th, 1673, per me, John Allyn, Sec- 
retary. 

Middletown, April the eighth, one thousand, six hun- 
dred and three, Pashama, Rashiask, Massecumb, Robin, 
Pewamskin, with consent of the natives, who signed and 
sealed the deed above written, were acknowledged to be 
interested in this land reserved to them therein and for 
themselves, their heirs and assigns, did and by these 
presents do give grant and confirm unto the inhabitants 
of Middletown their heirs and assigns, forever all their 
right, title, interest, in all that tract of land granted by 
the above written deed unto the said inhabitants of Mid- 
dletown fully and largely as is expressed in the above 
■written deed, as witness our hands the day and year first 
above written. 

Signed, sealed and deliv- Rachiask's X mark, 
ered in the presence of us, Pashunna's X mark. 
Nathaniel White, Massakump's X mark. 

John Hall, Hobin's x mark. 

Samuel Stocking, Pewampskin's x^ark. 

The above written is a true record of the deed of the 
land within the township of Middletown, from the Indian 
proprietors. 

Per me, John Hall, Recorder. 



In the copy of the Indian deed by Mr. Hall there is 
difficulty in reading the Indian names, and some of them 
are evidently written somewhat differently as they are 
repeated. Sachamas, (probably a title rather than a 
name,) is plainer than the names generally and the last 
BYllable in it is written three ways. In the hope that 



NOTE A. 141 

the original in the Colony Records at Hartford, was bet- 
ter written, and knowing the great experience and skill 
of the clerk in reading ancient manuscripts, a request 
was made to him to give the names as written by the 
Secretary. The following is his answer : 

" The names of the Indian grantors in the deed of 
1672-3, as recorded, are Sepunnamoe, Joan, alias Week- 
pissick, Machize *, [in the deed^ the signature Mama- 
chiz,] Wesumpsha*, Wamphaneh*, Spunno, Sacha- 
mas, Taccomhuit, [signature^ Tacumhuit*,] Witnesses 
(Indian,) Ncssehegen, Wannoae, Tarramuggus *, Puc- 
cacun *, and Sachamus' mother *. 

In the Coginchaug [Durham] purchase (24 Jan., 
1672-3, the names of grantors marked (*) above, are 
spelled in the same way ; besides these Wannoe, Tom 
alias Negannoe, Neseheag squaw, Spunno, Sarah Kem- 
hosh squa, Marragan's mother, and Tahhows squa, [sig- 
nature, Tubhous squa,] join in the grant. Witness Se- 
punnamoe, Nesehegen." 



(NOTE B.) 

0Hc)i^ of c^H\j sefi)ei^3, hcfoH ^i]h li\ 
1670, fi]ose l^ i^c kik\^ ije^lr bei)f)g 



While it is very evident that the early settlers or their 
parents were from the British Isle, and that they were 
nearly all of English extraction, there is not a little dif- 
ficulty in ascertaining Avho came directly to this place, or 
almost immediately on landing this side of the Atlantic, 
and respecting others where they lived in Massachusetts 
and Connecticut before settling here. Dr. Trumbull in 
liis History of Connecticut says, " that the principal 
planters were from England, Hartford and Wcthersfield 
— that the greatest number were from Hartford, and 
that there was a considerable accession from Rowley, 
Chelmsford and Woburn in Massachusetts." There 
were also some planters from Windsor, and from some 
towns in Massachusetts, besides those which he names. 
Some had lived in sever^il places. Various circumstan- 
ces may have inc^aced individuals to dwell here and 
there for a time with relatives, connections and acquaint- 
anccs, and to have engaged in one employment and 
another, even where they did not themselves become pos- 
sessors of houses and lands. 

With respect to the settlers whose names do not ap- 
pear among the householders and proprietors in 1670, 

* 12 



144 NOTE Ba 

William Bloomfield was from Hartford, and it is said he 
returned thither : if he did, he afterwards removed to 
Long Island. Nathaniel Brown was from Hartford. 
He had five children born to him in Middletown, from 
1661 to 1669, and it is probable that he died in the last 
mentioned year. His son, Nathaniel Brown, 2d, lived 
in this place after him. George Graves was from Hart- 
ford and returned to that place ; while here he was elec- 
ted twice a Representative to the General Court. Will- 
iam Markum removed to Hadley, Mass., and died there. 
What became of John Martin is not known. William 
Smith, who was from Wethersfield, removed to Farm- 
ington. Matthias Treat vras also from Wethersfield and 
died before 1663, leaving a family which removed from 
this place. A man by the name of Joseph Smith died 
in Rocky Hill in Wethersfield in 16T3, who may have 
been the same person who dwelt a while in the Upper 
Houses. Robert Webster was from Hartford, son of 
Gov. John Webster of Hartford, afterward, of Hadley, 
he was the ancestor of the late Noah Webster, L.L. D. 
While here he represented the town almost continually 
in the General Court. 

Inquiries concerning the previous residence or residen. 
ces, of Thomas Allen^ have not been pursued to a satis- 
factory result. 

Obadiah Mleuj was recommended by the elders of the 
church in Windsor, which rendexq it probable that he at 
least resided in that town for a time. This name is not 
always spelt with an e, Allen ; in a town record book it 
has been seen spelt, Ak/n and KWyw ; on the old Church 
Records it is Allin. 

JYatha7iiel Bacon, probably came directly from Eng- 
land. He was nephew of Andrew Bacon of Hartford. 



NOTE B. 145 

The family were from Stretton in England, county of 
Rutland. 

William Briggs^ was from Wether sfield. 

From whence Alexander Bow and William Cheney 
came, it is not ascertained. The latter was a represen- 
tative to the General Court in several instances. 

Jasper Clements^ was born in England about 1614. 
He died here in 1678, aged 64, leaving property for sup- 
port of schools in the town. 

Henry Cole married in Hartford in 1646. He was 
not a landholder there, but may have been a resident. 
He moved from Middletown to Wallingford soon after 
167 Q ; Edward Higby purchased part of his property. 

JVathaniel Collins, the first settled pastor in Middle- 
town, and his brother Samuel Collins, were from Cam- 
bridge, Mass., sons of Dea. Collins. 

William Cornwall, was an early settler in Hartford, 
and had five sons ; three of whom, John, Samuel and 
William, jr., accompanied him to Middletown. It is 
said that he died in 1677, an old man. 

George Durant had lived in Maiden, Mass., and pro- 
bably came from that town to this place. 

Samuel Eggkston, was from Windsor. 

Edward Foster ; of his previous history I have no in- 
formation. 

John Hall had been in a family state, many years be- 
fore he left England, and was an early settler both in 
Hartford and Middletown. His three sons, Richard. 
Samuel and John Hall, jr., probably came to Middletown, 
when he did. He died May 26, 1673, in the 89th year 
of his age. John Hall, jr., was the good deacon men- 
tioned in the Address. 

Giles Hamlin is generally considered as coming here 
immediately from England. He was born about 1612. 



146 NOTE B. 

He was in the habit of crossing the Atlantic, and was 
engaged in foreign commerce, " partly by himself and 
partly with John Pynchon of Springfield, his brother-in- 
law John Crow, jr., who dwelt in Fairfield, and elder 
Goodwin of Hartford, afterwards of Farmington." He 

died in 1689. 

William and Daniel Harris came to Middletown from 
Rowley, Mass. 

George Hubbard was an early settler in Hartford, 
and had six sons, Joseph, Daniel, Samuel, George, Na- 
thaniel and Richard. The two oldest sons settled in 
Middletow^n. 

This George Hubbard, was a distinct person froiii the' 
George Hubbard who resided in Wethersfield, Milford 
and Guilford. The genealogies of their families show 
this. 

Thomas Hubbard, who became a settler and proprie- 
tor in Middletown, is supposed to have come from Weth- 
ersfield, as there was an inhabitant early there of that 
name. He died in 1671, and whether he was related or 
not to either of the George Hubbards just mentioned is 
not known. 

John Hurlburt was from Wethersfield, son of Thom- 
as Hurlburt of that town. 

Isaac Johnson was from Roxbury and recommended 
from the church there to the church in Middletown. 

John Kirby, one correspondent states, settled first in 
Boston, and it may be that he landed there and remain- 
ed for a short time. Another correspondent says that 
his first child was born in Hartford, and a third that ho 
had a child born or baptized in Hartford in 1646, but 
adds " tliat he lived in Wethersfield, and had children 
born there in 1649 and 1651. From this town he re- 
moved to Middletown. In 1654 he owned a house and 



NOTE B. 147 

land in Rowington, Warwickshire, Eng., and tlie pre- 
sumption is that he emigrated first from that place. 

Isaac Lane^ I know not from what place he came. 

William Lucas, There was a William Lucas at Mar- 
biehead in 1648, who may have been the same person 
that came here. He died in 1G90. 

Anthony Martin, There was an early settler in 
Wethersfield by the name of Samuel Martin ; but the 
point has not been investigated, whether Anthony was 
from that town. 

Thomas Miller was recommended to the church in 
Middletown, from the church in Rowley. 

Thomas Ranney, is said to have been from Scotland. 
He was married to Mary Hubbard, the eldest child of 
George Hubbard of Middletown, in 1659, and had five 
children, Thomas, John, Joseph, Mary and Elizabeth. 
He died Jan. 25th, 1713, and was the first person buried 
in the oldest grave yard in the Upper Houses. 

David Sage^ is said to have been from Wales. 

John Savage married in Hartford in 1653^ and may 
have resided there, though not a proprietor in that place. 

Samuel Stocking was from Hartford and a son of 
George Stocking. 

Samuel Stoiv, wlio preached to the people in Middle- 
town some years as a candidate for tKo rxilnietry, I Kave 
very lately been informed b.v a fripnd, was not born in 
Concord, Mass., as represented on p. 48, but in Roxbu- 
ry, and that he did not live in Concord, until after he be- 
came a candidate. The probability therefore is, that 
his brother Thomas Sfoio, if not his nephew, Johii Stow, 
were also born in Roxbury, Mass. Samuel Stow died 
May 8, 1704. 

James Tappin. There was a man named James Tap- 
pan, married at Guilford to Hannah Garrett, March 5> 



148 NOTE B. 

1656. But it is doubtful whether this was the same 
person that settled in Middletown. 

Edward Turner was from Milford, and had two or 
three children baptized there. His wife was recom- 
mended to the church in Middletown, from the church 
in that place. 

John and William Ward are supposed to have been 
both from Rowley. The former was recommended from 
the church in that town. 

Andrew^ Robert and John Warner^ were sons of An- 
drew Warner, who emigrated from Hatfield, Eng., about 
1630, who was at Cambridge in 1632, and at Hartford 
amoncr the early settlers. He was a deacon in the Rev. 
Mr. Hooker's church and an influential man in that town. 
He removed to Hadlcy in 1659, where he died in 1684, 
at an advanced age. The three sons' in Middletown 
were farmers. Andrew Warner died Jan. 26th, 1582. 
Robert repeatedly represented the town in the General 
Court ; he died April 10th, 1690. John died in 1700. 
The Warners in Chester and Lyme, are descendants of 
Daniel Warner, one of their brothers. 

Thomas Wetmore is said to have been from Wales. 
He married a daughter of John Hall in Hartford, in 
1645 and had two or three children baptized there. He 

died in 1G81, agod QQ, 

JVathaniel Whiic was from Hartford, a son of John 
White of Hartford and Hadley. 

John Wilcox was from Hartford, 

Further investigation may show that some of those 
settlers whose origin we have not stated, were from 
Chehnsford and Woburn, 



NOTE B. 



149 



List of the Householders mid Proprietors, as taken 
March 22d, IGYO. 



Thomas Allen, £103 10 

Obadiah Allen, 30 00 

Nathaniel Bacon, 119 00 

William Briggs, 42 00 

Alexander Bow, 45 00 

William Cheney, 101 00 

Jasper Clements, 98 10 

Henry Cole, 115 00 
Nathaniel Collins, ] 

this stock and per- | 

Bon with £150 } 225 00 

given him in land 

by the town, 

Samuel Collins, 58 00 

William Cornwall, 160 00 

John Cornwall, 41 00 

Samuel Cornwall, 45 00 
William Cornwall, jr., 45 00 

George Durant, 34 00 

Samuel Ejigleston, 55 00 

Edward Foster, 26 00 

John Hall, 99 00 

Richard Hall, 75 00 

Samuel Hall, 130 00 

John Hall, jr., 26 00 

Giles Hamlin, l34 00 

W^illiam Harris, 200 00 

Daniel Harris, 132 00 

George Hubbard, 90 10 



Joseph Hubbard, 
Daniel Hubbard, 
Thomas Hubbard, 
John Hurlburt, 
Isaac Johnson, 
John Kirby, 
Isaac Lane, 
William Lucas, 
Anthony Martin, 
Thomas Miller, 
Thomas Ranney, 
David Sage, 
John Savage, 
Samuel Stocking, 
Samuel Stow, 
Thomas Stow, 
John Stow, 
James Tappin, 
Edward Turner, 
John Ward, 
William Ward, 
Andrew Warner, 
Robert Warner, 
John Warner, 
Thomas Wetmore, 
Nathaniel White, 
John Wilcox, 



38 00 


24 00 


61 00 


26 00 


24 00 


88 00 


40 00 


42 00 


60 10 


50 10 


105 00 


68 10 


129 00 


113 10 


194 00 


54 00 


24 00 


50 00 


44 00 


44 00 


no 00 


84 00 


87 10 


96 10 


125 10 


169 10 


140 00 



Total, 



£4,322 10 



(NOTE C.) 

§i(efci]eg of fi]e Job^g ^^S goclefleg, 
b3lti|i> fi|e oHgi^^l lllif)if3 of IV^ISclie- 
foto^, io^ci^et \y}li^ i\]c Hge of Sif- 
felrei]f ^ei]oii[)i^qfio^§, fiieli^ 6i]ni^ci]- 
e§ ^^c» 6. (9fficel^3 ; IkU of 6ibil 
0fficei^^, &c. 



The territory of Middletown, which at first contained 
but one Ecclesiastical Society, the business of which was 
done by the town, as there was but one denomination of 
Christians in it, now contains four towns : Middletown 
and Cromwell on the west side of Connecticut river, and 
Portland and Chatham on the east ; the first of which 
contains three local Ecclesiastical Societies, or which 
were so, until within a limited period, and which, in con- 
formity with custom, it will be convenient to speak of as 
such still ; the second and third contain one Society 
each, and the fourth one whole society, most of a second 
and a fraction of a third. 

As the publication of the exercises in November, 
1850, has been unexpectedly delayed until the begin- 
ning of 1852, an attempt will be made to bring down the 
statistics in this note to the present time^ 

We will begin with the First Society in Middletown, 
and then proceed to Middlefield and Westfield, the tw^o 
other societies now belonging to Middletown. 

The First Society is much the largest of the three and 
has the greatest variety of soil and surface. There is 
but little alluvial ground in it and yet the land is good 

13 



152 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 

with the exception of that on the range of the Strait 
Hills in the south east part, and that is valuable for 
wood. Beyond that in the district called M aromos, there 
are arable and productive lands near the river. — • 
There is much rich soil in the society, and the arable 
lands here and in the vicinity are made more and more 
productive by increasingly skilful cultivation, helped on- 
ward by the proceedings and anniversaries of the Mid- 
dlesex County Agricultural Society. 

This Society includes the city, where a large part of 
the early settlers placed their habitations, and whence 
the population spread in diiferent directions. Almost 
all tlie inhabitants here, as in the rest of the Society and 
in the other Societies, fur a considerable period, were oc- 
cupied in clearing and cultivating the ground. 

In the profitable commerce which sprung up within 
the limits of the city and was carried on with the West 
Indies, about the middle of the last century, Richard 
Ah op was by far the most successful. The place aftbrd- 
ed great advantages for carrying on this commerce, be- 
ing situated on the largest river in New England, having 
a fine liarbor, to which vessels could ascend drawing ten 
feet of water, with rich towns on its banks, where arti- 
cles suitable for the West India market could be easily 
procured. Mr. Alsop knew w^ell hoAv to avail himself of 
these advantages. He was a son of John Alsop, Esq., 
of Newtown, L. I., afterwards of Esopus on Hudson 
river, an attorney at law. He was educated a merchant 
in the store af Philip Livingston, in the city of NcW 
York, and about 1750 came to this town and commenced 
business. He had his store, or rather stores, in the low- 
er rooms of the old town-house, or court-house, as it was 
Bomt times called, standing in Main strett, a little above 
Washington street. He soon engaged in commerce, and 
prospered so much that he sometimes insured vessels for 
others on his private responsibility. He was a man of 
integrity, generosity and public spirit. His fellow citi- 
zens repeatedly elected him a representative to the L-'g- 
islature. He died early in the Revolution, and the fol- 
lowing summary of his estate, is from the Probate re- 
cords. *' Amount of inventory of Richard Alsop's estate, 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 153 

X34,818:7:7," besides " a large amount of money lodged 
in Jamacia, stock in two partnership concerns, a large 
number of book debts due," and other property, the value 
of which could not be ascertained. Tlie record of this 
inventory occupies fifty-one folio pages. 

There were others who acquired much propert}^ by 
commerce, or concerns connected with it- before the Re- 
volution, tliough by the events of the war, or other caus- 
es, they did not all die rich. Philip JNlortimer came 
here from Boston, sometime before the Revolution, and 
went largely into the rope-making business. The in- 
ventory of his estate was XG, 177:7:8. Mr. Mortimer 
was a man of taste. He built a large and beautiful 
house for that day, on the bank of the river, now owned 
by Capt, William G. Hackstaff, ornamented a tract of 
several acres around it, planted lines of button-ball trees 
from it to Main Street, made a walk, placed seats by it 
under the trees and threW' it open to the public, wldch 
became an object of attraction, not only to people of the 
town, old and young, but to strangers. When a portioa 
of the French army in the Revolution were on their way 
from the east to Washington's encampment, stopping 
over the Sabbath in Middletown, the officers amused 
themselves by dtmcing in the evening under the shades. 
The names of Washington, Layfayette and other inter- 
esting characters, were cut in the trees. 

The Revolution having come to a successful issue, 
commerce began to revive ; and that this might be pur- 
sued to greater advantage, a petition, dated Jan. 15, 
1784, was signed and presented to the Legislature the 
following May, that a part of Middletown, where com- 
merce had been principally and almost wholly carried on 
before the war, might be invested with city privileges. 
The signers alledged that " many inconveniences were 
felt by them, as well as by strangers, for want of a due 
regulation of the police of the town ;" and that keeping 
high ways in good repair, removing obstructions from the 
channel of the adjoining river and many other regula- 
tions for the commercial convenience and utility of the 
memorialists, were impossible to be accomplished ^yith- 
out a separate and special jurisdiction. The petition 



154 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN<» 

was granted in May of the same year ; and at the same 
session, Hartford and New Haven, New London and 
Norwich, were constituted cities. 

The city is bounded as follows : " Beginning at the 
mouth of Little river, or Ferry river, thence in a north- 
east line, to the east side of Connecticut river, at high 
water mark, thence on the bank of the said Connecticut 
river, at high water mark, until it comes to a point due 
east from Sumner's Creek, thence in a west line to the 
mouth of Sumner's Creek, thence southerly and west- 
rely as the said creek runs to Warwick^s Bridge, thence 
west to the Little River, |"or West River, as the 
stream is sometimes called,] thence northerly and east- 
erly down the Little river, as the same runs to the first 
boimdary, including the waters of the said Little river, 
Sumner's Creek and Connecticut river." 

The medium length of the city may be a mile and a 
half, and its breadth, exclusively of the river, which va- 
ries here from 97 to 80 rods, is about the same. It is 
to be lamented that the petition does not state the num- 
ber of inhabitants within the specified bounds, nor give 
any statistical information. But it is well known that 
the people then lived very generally on the streets run- 
ning parallel, or nearly so, with the Connecticut, as far 
back as High street, and others crossing these streets at 
nearly right angles : the much greater part on the east- 
ern half of the streets then existing: for since that timo 
Broad street and some other streets have been opened.. 
Since the incorporation of the city, more particularly,, 
within the last thirty years, the western half has in- 
creased proportionally more than the eastern. And 
while the population has been increasing, many new build-- 
ings have been erected, some of large dimensions and 
improved style of architecture ; some of more substan- 
tial materials. The general appearance of the city has 
been greatly improved within the memory of many per- 
sons now living, and not a little within a few years.. 
The young can hardly believe, smooth as Main Street 
now is, that once there was such a depression in the road 
in front of the McDonough House, now building, that a 
person standing there could not see over a rise just be- 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN, 165 

low, SO as to discern a load of hay passing a bridged 
ravine a little further onward. 

In 1815, there were in the city two hundred and nine- 
ty-nine dwelling houses, and three hundred and fifty- 
three families ; in 1850, there were six hundred and 
three dwelling-houses, and seven hundred and eighteen 
families. At the former periotl, there were in the city 
five churches, attended however, hy people from all parts 
of the First Society, one Bank, a Court-house, Goal and 
Alms-house. There are now seven Churches, most of 
them attended in a similar manner, and one or two re- 
ceiving many of their attendants from beyond the limits 
of said Society, four Banks, a Court-house, Custom-house, 
Goal and Alms-house ; a number of them recently built : 
there are also the University buildings, and the houKO 
for the High-school. 

The Church edifices, the University buildings, and the 
High-school House, will come into view hereatter. The 
first Bank edifice was erected after the l)ank was grant- 
ed in 171)5, and was so constructed that tlie stockholders 
might have a safe place for the deposit of their money 
and the officers for the transaction of their business. 
For the Banks of a later date, buildings were purchased 
and fitted for like purposes. These are, Middlesex 
County Bank, which occupies the building previously 
used by the Branch Bank of the United States ; the 
Middietown Savings Bank, and the Central Bank, 

The present Court House, the second building of the 
kind in Middietown, since the County of Middlesex was 
formed, was built in 1832 : Its of brick, stuccoed in 
front, with a portico, 84 feet by 50. It cost $10,100, 
of which the County paid $2,600 ; the City $1,500 ; 
the Town $3,000, and individuals $3,000 ; it being all 
arranged at the time that the City and Town were to en- 
joy certain privileges in the building. Here the records 
of the City and T(jwn and of Courts are kept, and here 
is the Town Clerk's Office. 

The Custom House was not built until 1834, the cus- 
toms being previously collected in buildings hired for the 
purpose. This is of hewn stone, 52 by 48, the first story 
rests on brick arches, the roof is zinc and fire-proof. It 
* 13 



156 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN'^ 

cost $17,500, all of which was appropriated by the* 
United States, excepting $500, which individuals gave- 
towards the purchase of the site. 

Besides the conveniences which this building aifords 
for the collector of customs, a room on the first floor is 
used for a Post Office. 

The present County Goal, was built in 1848. It is 
of stone, forty-four feet by twenty-six, having twelve 
cells. This is the third building of the kind since 1784.. 
Separately from the land which the town gave, it cost 
$3,300. 'The County paid $2,300, the Town $1,000. 
This is near the Alms-house in the southwest part of the 
city. 

The Alms-HousCy was first occupied by the poor, in 
May, 1814. It is a brick building, sixty feet by forty, 
two stories in front and three in the rear, which, with 
the ground,, two and a half acres,, fences and furniture^ 
cost $8,755.. 

For some years there have been three Taverns in the 
city — the Central Hotel, the Mansion House, and the 
Farmers and Mechanics Hotel, The Central Hotel is 
kept for the present, in a large private dwelling, and its 
former site has been purchased by the McDonough Hotel 
Company, formed in May^ 1851. On this they are now 
building a Hotel, which already bears the honorable 
name of the " McDmiough House.^^ It is fifty-six feet 
in front on Main street, and sixty-six in the rear ; one 
hundred on Court street.. It will cost about $30,000 ; 
it is expected to be completed soon, and opened in June, 
1,1852.) The whole building will be devoted to the uses of 
the hotel, excepting two stores, in the first story on Main 
street. The large house first built for a hotel, corner of 
Main and Washington sts., belonging to the estate of the 
Rev. Dr. Jar vis, is soon to be opened as a private hotel. 

Most of the mercantile business of Middletown has al- 
ways been done in the city, the greater part on Main st... 
though considerable has been done on Water street. 
This has been fully doubled in thirty years, notwith- 
standing the rise of business in Meriden, whence many 
persons formerly came to trade, at stores here. If we 
include all the business done in the city^ mercantile, me- 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 15T 

chanical and manufacturing, it has been much more than 
doubled. J. & D. Hinsdale did a very large business 
more than thirty years ago, and about the same period, 
some other merchants traded to a very respectable 
amount. But there is now a greater number of large 
stores. 

The writer is indebted particularly to the kindness 
and examination of a friend, for the number of stores, 
shops, &c., at the present time (March 1852), in the 
city, which are : seven Dry Good stores, four Merchant 
Tailors', five stores dealing in Shoes, Clothing and other 
articles ; and here it should be stated that several Dry 
Good stores and Clothing establishments carry on the 
tailoring business, twenty-nine Grocery stores, two Dry 
Good and' Grocery, three Crockery, two Hardware, 
seven Shoe, four Hat, Shoe and Fur, one Hat and Shoe 
Store, one Hat Manufactory, tliree Apothecary stores, 
two Book stores, four Printing Offices, and two Book 
Binders : there are nine Milliners' shops, three Gold- 
smiths, two Saddle and Harness Makers, six Dentists, 
four Carriage and Wagon Makers, two Cabinet, four 
Tinners, and six Blacksmith shops, four Butcher Stalls, 
one Bakery, two Tallow Chandelery, four Lumber yards, 
and one Sail Loft. Besides the Stores in the city, there 
are three stores just beyond its Hmits, in which Dry 
Goods and Groceries are sold. 

For an account of the manufacturing operations in and 
about the city, and also, in Middlefield and Westfield, 
the reader is referred to the preceding account of 
" Middletown — its Manufactories," by Mr. Gorham. It 
should be born in mind however, that since the facts in 
that account Avere collected, there have been changes in 
the establishments. The operations in them, generally, 
have been on the advance. This is true particularly in the 
establishment of W. & B. Douglas. In this, there were 
then eighty men employed ; the number has since reach- 
ed to one hundred and twenty^ and their stock and whole 
business have been increased proportionally. The Car- 
bine, or Gun Factory, of North & Savage, was then un- 
dergoing repairs. It has since been put in operation. 
About forty hands have been employed, and Carbines 



158 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 

made at the rate of not far from two thousand per year. 
These are sold mostly to the Government of the United 
States, the residue at private sale, amounting in all to 
about $30,000. 

We have said that city privileges were sought, that 
commerce might be pursued more advantageously from 
this port. Great things w ere anticipated, and commerce 
did flourish for a time, and some individuals thereby 
greatly increased their estates, though they had other 
sources of income. Among those who succeeded the 
most in the West India trade, after the Revolution, were 
Elijah Hubbard, Lemuel Storrs, Nehemiah Hubbard, 
and at a period considerably later, Joseph Wright Al- 
sop. The inventory of Elijah Hubbard's estate was 
$144,971,91 — the inventory of Lemuel Storrs' estate 
was $47,308, and he left a larger amount of property, 
not inventoried here, consisting of lands in the State of 
New York and Ohio — the inventory of Nehemiah Hub- 
bard's estate was $79,374,34 — and he possessed largo 
tracts of Western lands — the inventory of Joseph W. 
Alsop was $47,002,87. 

But commerce never reached the prosperity which it 
had before the Revolution. Successive adverse events 
injured it, and finally the trade with the W^est Indies, 
from Middletown was lost, and from the Connecticut 
river. Since then there has been but little foreign com- 
merce from Middletown, and domestic commerce has 
been limited, though it is now increasing. 

In consequence of the failure of Foreign Commerce, 
numerous enterprising men were under the necessity, 
either of removal to other places, or of resorting to man- 
ufactures. Many preferred the latter alternative, and 
the result is the rise and increase of the manufactures 
to which we have referred. 

The factories generally are moved by water power, 
though the large establishment of W. & B. Douglas, 
and one or two others, are moved by steam. The water 
privileges of the town are very great, and as yet but 
partially improved. The streams which to a great ex- 
tent bound the city and empty themselves into the Con- 
necticut, immediately north and south of it, are invalua- 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 159 

ble for manufacturing purposes. Dams are built upon 
them at far less expense than on larger streams, and are 
not as liable to be carried away or injured by floods. 

The effects of drouth on these streams is to a great 
degree prevented by two reservoirs of water, one of 
w^iich is secured by a dam, directly on the outlet of Mil- 
ler's pond, the rise of Miller's brook, which takes the 
name of Sumner's Creek before it enters the Connecti- 
cut. The other reservoir is on a tributary of West riv- 
er, in Middlefield, which is called before it empties itself 
into Connecticut river, and in comparison with it, Little 
River. 

On the north side of the Strait Hills, and near But- 
ler's Creek, as it enters the Connecticut river, there is the 
mine usually called the Lead Mine, mentioned on p. 70, 
which excited a good deal of attention before the Ameri- 
can Revolution, and on which foreigners had expended 
large sums of money. In May 1775, " Jabez Hamlin, 
Matthew Talcott and Titus Hosmei-, were appointed a 
Committee to provide stores of lead as they should judge 
necessary for the use of the Colony, or to take the lead 
ore raised out of the mine ac Middletown and refined 
and fitted for the use of the Colony." In July follmv- 
ing, the Assembly ordered them to work the mine. 
They did so, and put up works for smelting and refining 
the ore, which were completed about the month of Sep- 
tember ; and at this time high expectations were raised 
of providing from it a large amount of lead. In March 
and July of the following year orders were given _ upon 
the committee to furnish quantities of lead for military 
purposes, and in November 6th, one hundred and forty 
pounds were reported to be in the hands of the Commit- 
tee, and Capt. Samuel Russell was added to the Com- 
mittee to procure lead for the State and to work the 
mine. The vein ran northerly towards the river, was 
followed thirty or forty rods, and in some places was 
very rich. But the vein being enclosed in granitic rock 
it was very difficult to get the ore, and as it approached 
the river it sunk abruptly into the earth. Tlie works, 
however, were continued until the beginning of^ 1778 — 
but at a session of the Assembly begun in February 



160 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 

of that year a report was made, tbat the nianufacture of 
said ore was unprofitable to the State. The Committee 
were therefore ordered to discontinue the works, after 
having finished the ore then on hand. * 

The ore was mineralized with sulphur, and a man 
from Pennsylvania, by the name of Thomas Bidwell, 
was allowed the privilege of using the sulphur ore with- 
out charge. It was partly steel-grained and this con- 
tained a portion of silver, and partly cubic lead ore, the 
ore also contained zinc. 

The Committee having fulfilled their last direction, 
the mine was given up, and nothing has been done in it 
until the present time ; but we are happy in adding that 
Dr. Eugene A^ Frankfort^ who came the last year to 
test the ore, which had been taken some months previous 
from the Cobalt mine in Middle Haddam, has examined 
this mine. The results he gives in a communication, re- 
cent'y published in the " Sentinel and Witness," in 
JViiddletown. 

" Lead, he says, though present [in this mine], would 
never alone pay the expenses of mining here, as there 
is not enough of it. Bat there are several otlier metal- 
lic minerals abundantly found in the quartz veins of the 
Grauwacke Rock, which lying over the Gneiss here, on 
both sides of the creek, stretches as far as the river. 
These minerals are well worth mining, and the writer of 
these lines is just about erecting mining and smelthig 
works here. These minerals are Argeixtiftrous Gahna^ 
containing some twenty-five per cent of silver. Tue 
heavy deposits of Zincblende Avill be manufactured into 
white oxyd and sulphate of zinc — the former of which 
is now coming into extensive use, instead of white-lead, 
to which as a paint it is far superior. The latter is a 
well-known mordant in all dyeing and coloring opera- 
tions. Sidphuret of Bismuth occurs here also, (along 
with the Galena and Zincblende,) in lead colored grains, 
and as this metals enters into the composition of the clin- 
ches for stereotypes, and is put into the best kinds of Bri- 
tannia Ware, it will pay for refining. Copper Pyrites, 

* See Hinmau's American Revolution. 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 161 

in gold yellow nodules and of great purity, is found 
here also, and the copper obtained from tliern. Silver, 
the preparations of Zinc and Bismuth, will form the ba- 
sis of the mining operations which will be carried on 
here. Besides the above mentioned useful minerals, the 
Miheralogical collector may find here. Iron Pyrites, Mis- 
pickel, or Arsenical Pyrites, and fine drusy crystals of 
common quartz." The vein of the metals runs- in 
quartz rock. 

The old works, which were carried on near by in the 
Revolution, until 1778, as just mentioned, would have 
been profitable, had the operators been searching for 
minerals more generally, and had they known liow to 
turn the Zincblend into use, but zinc then being but lit- 
tle employed for technical purposes, they could not sepa- 
rate it with advantage and their object was lead for use 
in the existing war with Gi-eat Britain. 

- The Feldspar Quarries, nigh the Middlesex Turnpike, 
three miles south-easterly from the city, may be proper- 
ly mentioned in this connection. Concerning these. Dr. 
Franckfort observes, in the communication from which 
a quotation has just been made as follows. 

" Tlie Granite is here partly composed out of a very 
fine white or pinkish white Feldspar, which has been 
quarried considerably, and with pi'oiit, as I have been 
told ; but at present, quarrying operations have been 
suspended. The Feldspar, when not mixed with Quartz 
or Mica, is the material from which the greatest part of 
China Ware and Porcelain is manufactured. Feldspar 
is a Silicate of Alumnia and Potash. Besides the com- 
mon Feldspar found here, a white, shining, crystalized 
variety of it, called Alhite^ has been often observed also. 
The Mica occurs here, as in the above mentioned Colum- 
bite locality, in large foHated layers and crystals, some 
half a foot in thickness, and is often of pitch black color. 

Columhite has also been found here, and it is said, in 
crystals of greater beauty and larger size, than those 
which we obtain from Haddam. This Mineral is, however, 
noAV very rare here. The Mica, and a pinkish variety 
of it called Lepidolite^ of this locality, contahi some very 



162 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN* 

fine specimens of transparent green Tourmalines, Red 
Tourmalines have also been found, though not often, 
x^patite, a lime containing mineral, is frequent in green 
colored nodules and crystals, imbedded in the Feldspar. 
Rutiky an almost pure oxyd of the metal called Titani- 
um, has been obtained here of such beauty, that, accord- 
ing to Dana, it formed, when cut and polished, a gem of 
rare brilliancy of lustre. Its color is a splendid brown- 
ish red. Amongst other Minerals, I collected here a few 
specimens of tJranite^ in small, almost microscopic 
scales, of a lemon yellow color. Large rough Beryls 
are commmon here. 

From the above, it is evident that these Quarries will 
pay well a visit to them ; and it is to be hoped that they 
will be worked again, when many more beautiful miner- 
als will be brought to light, that rest now imbedded in 
the Feldspar." 

The city of Middletown enjoys advantages for the 
erection of buildings. Free stone, or rather a dark 
sand-stone abounds in the town, and as early as 1726, 
the selectmen w^ere directed take care of the quarries on 
the West side of the river, as well as on the east side, 
in wiiat is now Portland. The first quarry opened on 
the west side is within the limits of the city and at dif- 
ferent times has been improved to a considerable extent. 
Some of the stone have been used in the city and some 
have been carried to other places. Recently the Port- 
land stone have been principally used ; they are within 
sight of the city and can be brought to it without much 
difficulty or expense. A large brick yard until within a 
short period, has been improved within the city limits ; 
a better one is now improved a mile or two beyond them. 
As for lumber so far as the town cannot furnish it, it 
can be brought from other parts of the country, by ves- 
sels or by cars. 

Besides, the facilities for intercourse which this place 
has with other parts of the country, by the river and by 
railroad, it has others by turnpikes and public roads to 
neighboring towns, and through them to others beyond 
them. 

From the Post Office mails are sent twice, daily, to 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN^ 163 

New York, Hartford and Boston, and are received twice. 
A daily mail passes to and from New Haven, Saybrook, 
East Haddam, and Wetliersfield, and intermediate 
places^ and also to and from Portland. A mail passes 
to and from Lyme, and to and from East Hampton on 
the east side of the Connecticut river, thrice weekly and 
through the intermediate places. By these and other 
mails the inhabitants are enabled to maintain perpetual 
intercourse with all parts of the country. 

But the great object of the Colonists, who settled in 
Middletown, as well as in other parts of New England, 
was, to enjoy unmolested the right of worshipping God 
according to the dictates of their own consciences. Let 
us then advert to their ecclesiastical proceedings, to the 
formation of the First Congregational Church ; also to 
the rise of other denominations and the formation of their 
churches, in what is now the First Society. 

In the address, a fevf words were said in regard to the 
religious character of the early settlers, and of their 
employment of Mr. Samuel Stow, graduate of Harvard 
College, 1G45, as a candidate for the ministry, and of 
his preaching to them a number of years. For some 
time they may have hardly felt themselves able to settle 
a pastor, but in August, 165T, they voted to continue 
him on trial, and appear afterwards to have made som3 
further advances towards his settlement. But some dif- 
ficulties arising in the town respecting him, a vote vfas 
passed in 1659, that they did not vrish to continue him, 
but to look elsewhere. In 1661, the difficulties came 
before the General Court, which declared the town to be 
free from Mr. Stow, as their engaged minister ; and the 
Court appointed a committee to further a settled minis- 
try in the place. The following is a copy of the report 
of the committee. 

''•Whereas upon divers agitations before the General 
Court between Mr. Stow and the inhabitants of Middle- 
town, the Court did declare that the Town of Middle - 
town, are free from Mr. Stow as their engaged minister, 
and the Court appointing a Committee to further a set- 
tled ministry in that place — and after long endeavors by 
the people there, to procure them a minister, there ap- 

14 



164 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 

pears a probability of their obtaining of Mr. Collins for 
that purpose — the Committee doth approve of their pro- 
ceedings therein and of his acceptance of their motion, 
and according to the mind of the Court, do advise both 
Mr. Stow and all the inhabitants of Middletown, to a 
loving carriage to Mr. Collins and friendly compliance 
with each other — that the memory of all former differen- 
ces may be wholly buried, and that Mr. Collins may 
have all due encouragement in the work of the ministry, 
that he is called unto in that place — and that the long 
desired, comfortable and peaceable settlement of Mid- 
dletown may be obtained, which is the desire of the 
Committee appointed by the General Court to promote 
the settlement of the ministry there. 

Matthew Allen, in the name 

of the Committee, 
Hartford, December 6, 1661." 

The action of the General Court appears to have fin- 
ished the business respecting the settlement of Mr. 
Stow in the ministry in Middletown, and the people 
went forward according to advice, and at length with en- 
tire unanimity settled Mr; Collins. But in 1681, ap- 
plication was made to him to preach in Simsbury, and 
he supplied the desk four years. In May, 1682, a 
" Humble Motion of Simsbury men" was made to the 
General Assembly for countenance to settle themselves 
in gospel order, and at that time it was expected Mr. 
Stow would become their pastor. But as his term of 
service for four years drew towards a close, he desired 
of the inhabitants an " answer whether they would con- 
tinue him in the work of the ministry and settle him in 
office amongst them." They did not see cause to settle 
him in office, but seem to have referred the matter to 
him, whether he would continue a,ny longer in the work 
of a teaching minister. That he did not choose to do, 
any farther than to fulfil his existing engagement.* He 
then gave up his designs of the ministry, and lived in 
Middletown as a private citizen. 

But we proposed to give an account of the formation 

* History of Simsbury, Granby and Canton, by Noah A. Phelps. 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 165 

of tlie First Congregational Church in Middletown, 
which had been contemplated from the beginning of the 
settlement. Numbers of the settlers were members of 
churches in the place from which they came, and must 
have greatly desired it, but the matter was long delayed 
by circumstances. The people of the town as a body 
wished for it, and manifested by a vote, " that they 
were* willing to lay out themselves in all regular endeav- 
ors that they miglit enjoy God in all his ordinances 
among them. " The desires of all were gratified" on 
the 4th of the 9th month, (the 4th of Nove'mber,) 1668, 
when the fathers of the Church, ten in numl^er, ow^ned a 
confession of faith and entered into covenant with God 
and with one another," with the approbation and con- 
currence of the honored messengers then present, sent 
from the respective churches. These were from the 
Church of Christ at Windsor, Hartford, Farmington, 
and^ Northampton, by name, the Rev. Mr. Hooker, 
Mr.' Mather, Mr. Whiting, Mr. Nathaniel Chauncey, 
Deacon Moore, Deacon Hart, Deacon Judd, Deacon 
Hancket, John Stanley, John Wads worth. Other mem- 
bers of Churches, came forward afterwards and united 
with this church ; some of them the wives of these ten. 

The ordination of the pastor, Rev. Nathaniel Collins, 
who had preached to the people some years, followed, 
and the desires of the Town and the call of the Church 
are both mentioned in the brief account of the transac- 
tion as follows : " The 4th of the 9th [month] 1668, 
being the day of our ecclesiastical embodying, (the town 
having formerly jointly invited to and desired it,) the 
Church elected and called Nathaniel Colhns, to the office 
of pastor among them, promising that, if desired by him, 
and themselves [should be] in capacity, they would pro- 
vide a fellow laborer in the word and doctrine ; whereup- 
on he accepted, and at the request of the church was or- 
dained by the Reverend Mr. Mather and Mr. Whiting." 

The views of the Church were in accordance with the 
Cambridge Platform. 

January 20th, 1669, " the Church concluded upon a 
monthly conference to be kept by the whole body, and 



160 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 

occasionally the conference day to be improved as a day 
of fasting and prayer." 

March 20th, 1670, Thomas Allen, Samuel Stocking, 
and John Hall, jr., haying been duly elected, " were or- 
dained in the office of deacons in this particular church 
of Christ, and commended to the grace of God therein, 
by prayers with the imposition of hands." 
' This Church has had seven pastors. The first 'four 
are dead. Rev. Nathaniel Collins, Noadiah and William 
Russell, father and son, and Enoch Huntington. Mr. 
Collins, graduate of Harvard College, 1660, died De- 
cember 28th, 1684, aged 42. Mr. Noadiah Russell, a 
native of New Haven, was graduated at Harvard, 1681, 
and ordained Oct. 24th, 1688. He died December 3d, 
1813, aged 54. Mr. William Russell^ born in Middle- 
town and graduated at Yale College, 1709 ; su.cceeded 
his father as pastor of the church, June 1st, 1715, and 
died June 1, 1761, aged 70. Mr. Huntington, native of 
W^indham, graduated at Yale, 1759, was ordained Jan. 
6, 1762, and died June 12th, 1809, aged 69. Sketches 
of these ministers are given in the address. 

The three pastors living are Rev. Dan Huntington, 
Chauncey Allen Goodrich, D. D., and John R. Crane, 
D. D. 

Mr. D. Huntington is a native of Lebanon, Avas grad- 
uate of Yale, 1794, tutor there and at Williams College. 
He was pastor of the Congregational Church in Litch- 
field several years before coming to Middletown, where 
he Avas installed September 10th, 1809, and dismissed 
February 6th, 1816. He has since hved in Hadley, 
Massachusetts. 

Dr. Goodrich is a native of New Haven, graduate of 
Yale, 1810, and tutor. He was ordained in Middletown 
July 24th, 1816, and dismissed December 23d, 1817. 
Immediately after, he became Professor of Rhetoric at 
Yale College, where he is now professor of Pastoral 
Charge. 

Dr. Crane, native of Newark, N. J., graduate of 
Princeton College, 1805, was ordained November 4th, 
1818; and is the present pastor.. 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 



16T 



Mr. Collins admitted to the Church, 

" N. Russell, " " 

" W. Russell, " " 

" E. Huntmgton, " " 

" D. Huntmgton, " " 

Dr. Goodrich, '^ " 

Dr. Crane, '^ " 



These, with ten at the organization 



- 76 persons. 

- 180 " 

- 305 

- 346 

- 98 

- 32 

- 539 



309. 



make a total of 1586 

The number of communicants January 1st, 1852, waf 



DEACONS OF THE CHURCH. 



Thomas Allen, 
Samuel Stocking, 
John Hall, jr., 
Daniel Markum, 
William Sumner, 
Obailiah Allen, 
Joseph Rockwell, 
Boriah Wetmore, 
Solomon Atkin?, 
John Hubbar 1, 
Jonathan Allen, 
William Rockwell, 
Hon. Jabez Hamlin, 
Jo.seph Clark, Esq., 
John Earl Hubbard, 
Chauncey Whittlesey, 
Jacob Wetmore, 
Oliver Wetmore, 
Timothy Boardman, 
Matthew T. Russell,Esq. 
Thomas Hubbard, 
Joseph Boardman, 
Samuel Eells, 2d., 
Henry S. Ward, 
Richard Rand, 
Cyprian Galpin, 
John B. Woodford, 
Evan Davis, 
John H. Sumner, 
Robert P. Rand, 
Selah Goodrich, 



Elected. 
March 16, 1670. 



Died.. 



About 

Aug. 

May 

May 
Jan. 
May 

a 

April 

Feb. 

Aug. 

(( 

Sept. 

March 

March 

April 

May 

May 

(C 

Oct. 
Dec. 
July 
July 

Nov. 
Nov. 
May 
June 



1690. 
11, 1695. 
31, 1704. 

5, 1713. 
8, 1735. 

26, 1743. 

6, 1749. 

7, 1754. 

16, 1765. 

(( 

17, 1778. 
7, 1782. 
4, 1784. 

1, 1784. 
3, 1798. 

1812. 

16, 1812. 

(( 

27, 1825. 

27, 1828. 

22, 1S40. 

2, 1844. 
26, 1844. 

18, 1846. 
22, 1850. 

19, 1850. 





Jan. 


22. 1694. 


May 


31, 1706. 


Oct. 


27, 1742 



Oct. 5, 1748. 
March 12, 1753. 
Dec. 23, 1783 

28, 1765. 

25, 1791. 

21, 1778. 

27, 1782. 

Ma'rch 14, 1812. 

Sept. 25, 1825. 

1, 1798. 

5, 1792. 

13, 1828. 

27, 1828. 

25, 1846. 
Moved to N.Y.Citv. 
Resigned Oct. 9,1844, 
June 9, 1844. 
Moved to N. Haven. 
Moved to Windsor. 



July 
April 
April 
July 



Dec. 
May 
Nov. 
Aug. 
Sept. 



Ages. 



75 



74 

70 

60 

80 

63 

82 

58 

59 

G^) 

90* 

46 

64 

68 

42 

79 



52 



* Did not act as deacon for sometime before his death.. 
* 14 



168 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 

The first Society formerly liad very consicTeraLIe 
funds, the yearly income of which was deyoted to the 
support of the gospel among them, but has none at the 
present time ; and it is very well able to sustain reli- 
gious institutions without them. This is evident from 
contributions which the people make to the American 
Bible Society, Missionary Societies, foreign and domest- 
ic, and other institutions of a similar character. These 
have been condsiderably more in some years than in oth- 
ers, but are calculated to have been, for twenty years, 
$1,500 annually. 



Sketch of the Strict Congregational Churchy now the 
South Congregational Church of Middletown, 

About the time of the great revival of religion in New* 
England, and in other parts of the English American 
Colonies, in 1141 and '42, a few individuals in the towns 
of Wether sfield and Middletown, embraced the princi- 
ples of the Strict Congregationalists. These were form- 
ed into a Church in Wethersfield, Oct. 28th, 1747, and 
Rev. Ebenezer Frothingham, a native of Cambridge^ 
Mass., was ordained their pastor. But as the principal 
members in Wethersfield, within a few years, emigrated 
into the State of New York, Mr. Frothingham came to 
Middletown and was installed over the Strict Congrega- 
tionalists living here, about 1754. These resided in the 
First and Fourth Societies. They were few in number ^ 
but increased considerably under his ministry. In 1788 
they were divided into two churches, those in the First 
Society constituting one church, and those in the Fourth 
or Westfield Society constituting the other church. Mr, 
Frothingham was dismissed about the time of this divis- 
ion, but remained in Middletown until his death, Nov. 
oOth, 1798, at the age of 81. 

Some idea of the strength which the Congregation 
gathered under the ministry of Mr. Frothingham, may be 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 169 

formed from the fact, that eighty persons under date of 
Oct. 13, 1788, signed the following agreement : 

" We the subscribers of the Second Strict Congrega- 
tional Church and Society in this town, believing it to be 
our duty to attend the public worship of God, and sup- 
port a gospel minister, do agree according to our several 
abilities, to raise such supplies as shall be necessary to 
render the life of a gospel minister comfortable in order 
for his usefullness among us, and that we will attend a 
society meetmg, annually, on the last Monday in Sep- 
tember, in order for raising such supplies as shall be 
necessary for the comfortable support of a gospel minis- 
ter. And we further agree that we will be accountable 
to this church and society for any neglect of fulfilling 
this our agreement — provided always that no force of 
civil law is to be used, in collecting support for the gos- 
pel ministry among us." 

The names appended, placing them alphabetically, are 
these : Anthony Ames, Joshua Arnold, Thamer Atkins, 
Ebenezer Pierpont, and Benjamin Bacon ; Daniel, 
George, Caleb, Giles and Reuben Barnes ; Solomon and 
John Bill ; Solomon, Samuel, and John Edward Blake ; 
Amos Bow, Michael Braddock, Noah Brooks, Daniel and 
Samuel Clark ; Jesse, Joseph, and Ezra Coe, and Jesse 
Coe, jr. ; Cornelius Cciiwall, John Cotton, 2d ; John, 
Daniel and Samuel Crowell, and John CroAvell, jr. ; Jo- 
seph and Israel Driggs, and Joseph Driggs, jr. ; John 
Gilbert, Enoch Green, John and Jonathan A. Hall, and 
John Hall, jr. ; David Harris ; Jacob, Elias, Oliver, 
Manoah and Enoch Hubbard ; Trustam Hull, John and 
James Johnson, Samuel Lee, Moses Lucas, jr., Ezekiel 
Lyman, Ebenezer Markham ; Joshua, Caleb and Peter 
Miller ; Robert and George Paddock ; Aaron Plumbe, 
Oliver Prior, Samuel Redden, Collins Roberts ; Collins 
S., Hinchman, Aaron, Noyce and Edward Roberts; 
John Rogers, jr., 'Samuel Savage, Elias and Nathan 
Sears, Daniel Sizer, Nathan Strong, Jesse Tr^-on, Jona- 
than Turner, Joseph Ward and Joseph Ward, jr., John 
Wetmore, Daniel and Stephen Whitmore, and Abel and 
Giles Wilcox. 



170 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN, 

On the 3d of January, 1788, the Church mvited Ste- 
phen Parsons, a native of Middletown to be their pastor. 
He accepted their invitation, and was ordained on the 
81st of the same month. He was dismissed on the 9th 
of August, 1795, having changed his sentiments on the 
mode and subjects of baptism. 

Rev. David Huntington, a native of Lebanon, and 
graduate of Dartmouth College 1773, who had been pre- 
viouslj settled in Marlborough, was installed the pastor 
of this people, Nov. 8, 1797. He labored among 
them until Oct. 1800, and was afterwards settled in 
North Lyme. He was a man of ardent piety. 

Rev. Horatio Thomas McGeorge, preached to the 
people from Oct. 27th, 1801, until Jan. 14th, 1802. 

Rev. Benjamin Graves, a native of East Haddani,. 
was ordained their pastor, Oct. 3d, 1803, and labored 
among them until the close of 1811, or bcginninir of 
1812. 

Not ftir from the time of his dismission, the church 
was dissolved '■^ by consent of the brethren," and the 
prospects of this denomination were very gloomy. But 
on the 11th of January 1816, four males and nine fe- 
males, who had belonged to the old church, were formed 
into a new church, and the congregation was in some 
measure collected. 

SocAi after this, the Rev. Ah^ Jinks was procured to 
preach to them, and on the 7th of August, 1816, was or- 
dained by the Presbytery of Hudson, with v/hich he was 
connected, with a vievf to his becoming their pastor. 
Under his ministry the church received large accessions. 
But having been appointed by the Connecticut Mission- 
ary Society, to labor in the States of Ohio and Indiana, 
he requested a dismission, November, 10th, 1819. The 
church consented to his fulfilling his appointment, and in 
case he should then " desire a dismission," they voted, 
"it shall be granted." He renewed his request May 
17th, 1820, and was dismissed accordingly. He has 
since labored at the West. 

On the 31st of May 1822, Rev. Thomas T. DeVerell, 
from North Stonington, became their pastor and remain- 
ed with them about a year. 



1 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 171 

Between his dismission and the settlement of the next 

pastor, Rev. Messrs. Dickinson, George Car- 

rington and others preached to the congregation. Rev. 
Horace Hooker of Hartford, supplied them regularly in 
1826, and until September, 18r27. 

In the month last mentioned, Rev. Edward R. Tyler, 
native of Guilford, Ver., and graduate of Yale College, 
1825, commenced preaching among them, and was or- 
dained and constituted their pastor on the 27th of De- 
cember following. His influence as a candidate and pas- 
tor was very great among them. Many old members 
were gathered into the church, some united with it by 
letter, and more in consequence of a revival in 1831. 
Young and enterprising men joined the Society. But in 
consequence of ill health, he asked for a dismission, and 
was dismissed in April, 1832. He was afterwads pas- 
tor of the church in Colebrook, an agent, of the Ameri- 
can Antislavery Society, editor of the Connecticut Ob- 
server, and editor, proprietor and principal conductor of 
the New Englander. He died at New Haven, September 
28th, 1848, aged 48, and his associates in the last men- 
tioned work, in the last number for that year, inserted a 
very interesting obituary notice of him. 

Rev. William H. Beecher, son of Rev. Lyman Beech- 
er, D. D., was installed pastor, March 13th, 1833, and 
dismissed on the 16th of ^the succeeding September. Ho 
Avas afterwards pastor or stated supply for a time, of a 
church in Trumbull, Ohio, and is now preaching in some 
part of that State. 

Rev. Robert McEwen, native of New London, gradu- 
ate of Yale, 1827, Tutor, studied theology at Ngay Ha- 
ven, succeeded Mr. Beecher, May 7, 1835, and was dis- 
missed August 8th, 1838. He is now pastor of the 
church in Enfield, Mass., where he was installed Feb. 
16th 1842. 

Rev. Arthur Granger, native of Suffield, who studied 
theology at Princeton, and who had been pastor of the 
First Congregational Church in Meriden, followed Mr. 
McEwen, April 24th, 1839. He was dismissed in May, 
1844, and immediately after became pastor of " High 



1T2 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 

Street Church," in Providence, R. I., where he died 
Aug. 2, 1845, aged 42. 

Rev. Andrew L. Stone, native of Oxford, graduate of 
Yale, 1837, was installed Sept. od, 1844, and dismissed 
in Jan., 1849, being then under a call to the Park Street 
Church in Boston, where he was installed soon after. 

Rev. John N. Dudley, native of Andover, N. H., 
graduate of Amherst College, who studied theology in 
Newport, R. I. and in Andover, Mass., was engaged to 
preach to the Congregation in Sept., 1849, and still sup- 
plies them. 

The number of members of the Church, admitted by 
each of the successive pastors, cannot noAV probably be 
found, particularly those admitted by the earlier pastors. 

Mr. Jinks admitted, ----- 84 members. 

Mr. Tyler gathered in 43 old members, 
of the church, and by letter and 
profession 125 more, total, - - 168 " 

Mr. Beecher, ------- 4 " 

In the 18 months following, when there 
was no settled minister, there were 
admitted, -------- 16 " 

Mr. McE\ven admitted, - - - - 62 " 

Mr. Granger, ------- 173 " 

Mr. Stone, -------- 82 " 

Since Mr. Stone's dismission, there 

have been admitted, ----- 11 " 

Total from the commencement of 

Mr. Jinks' services, ----- 600 

Of those admitted since the beginning of Mr. Tyler's 
services, the following number are now resident- mem- 
bers, viz : 

Of the old ones gathered by Mr. Tyler, 9, and of the 

others admitted by him, 19, total, - 28 members. 
Of those admitted by Mr. Beecher, - 1 " 
Of those admitted between his dismission 

and the settlement of Mr. McEwen, 4 " 
Of those admitted by Mr. McEwen, - 10 " 

" " " by Mr. Granger, - 58 " 

" " by Mr. Stone, - - 36 " 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 173 

All admitted since Mr. Stone's dismission ,11 " 



Total of resident members, Jan. 1,1852, 148 " 

The number of absent members is not ascertained. 
The number of families connected with the Society, is 
118. 

The records do not show who were the earliest dea- 
cons. John Johnson and Ebenczcr Bacon were deacons, 
Oct. 13, 1788. The following deacons have been elected 
at the times specified. 

Samuel Spaulding, April 15, 1818. 

Joseph Lewis, April, 9, 1825. 

William Woodward, March, 19, 1829. 

Josiah Danforth, ) . ^o ^oo^^ 

Joseph W. McKee, ] ^"S" 28> 18S9. 

When the Strict Congregationalists first arose, they 
held meetings in the dwelling house of their minister, 
Mr. Frothingham, on the north side of Mill Street. In 
1774, they built a meeting house on the east side of 
Main Street, 56 feet by 46, now changed into dwellings 
for two families. The present church edifice was dedi- 
cated June, 1830. It is 72 feet by 55, the audience 
room 52 feet square, and cost $6,000. In 1839 a cu- 
pola and bell were added at an expense of $750 and in 
1845, the galleries were lowered at an expense of $350 
more ; the expense in the first instance being borne by 
subscription. In 1851, the interior of the house was 
painted in fresco by subscription, at an expense of 
$500, and $1400 were paid on an old debt. 

No accurate accounts have been kept of the contribu- 
tions for public benevolent objects. They may have 
been annually for some time $150. The debt of the So- 
ciety may have diminished them. 

Only one mode of worship was statedly observed in 
Middletown for about a century after the settlement was 
commenced. Now, besides the Congregationalists, sev- 
eral denominations have houses for their worship. We 
shall give sketches of them in the order in w^hich they 
have arisen. 



174 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MlDDLETOWN. 

Sketch of the Episcopal Church, 

That there was occasionally Episcopal worship before 
1*750 is altogether probable, aside from tradition. Rev. 
James Wetmore, a native of the town, the first Con- 
gregational minister of North Haven, became an Episco- 
paHninister about 1724, and it is very likely performed 
service sometimes in the dwellings of his friends. Jere- 
miah Leaming, a native of the town at a later period, 
an Episcopal clergyman, may have done the same be- 
fore 1750. Before that time some of the inhabitants 
had become so much attached to Episcopal forms, that 
they took some steps to secure a site on which to erect a 
liouse for public worship ; to the building of which Mr. 
Wetmore most earnestly advised them. Hence the town 
voted, April 29th, 1749, " that the professors of the 
Church of England, have liberty to erect their church 
in the highway, between Jaffries' corner, (so called,) John 
Foster's corner, and the dwelling house of Mr. Ephraim 
Doane, and the selectmen, or any three of them, are 
hereby empowered to stake out the place for the said 
building." 

Many years since the writer was assured, that at the 
close of 1749, there were sixteen Episcopal families in 
the town, though measures in due form do not appear to 
have been taken to organize a parish till Easter Monday, 
April 16th, 1750. A church was erected on the 
site, designated in the vote of the town in 1752, fifty 
feet long and thirty-six wide, with a towering steeple, 
though not finished for two or three years. This was 
used as a sanctuary more than eighty years ; when the 
proffer of a thousand dollars from the Ladies of the As- 
sistant Society, prompted the gentlemen to the work of 
erecting their present church edifice. This was com- 
pleted in 1834. It is of Portland stone, seventy-eight 
feet by sixt}^, twelve feet porch, and cost $14,000. 

A bell for the first Episcopal Church was procured in 
1759, and a second was given by Mr. John Alsop, a 
w^ealthy merchant of New York, brother of Richard Al- 
sop of this place, in 1785. This is now in use in the 
present church. 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 1Y5 

For many years the people were aided in the support 
of their ministers, by the Society in England fur the 
propagation of the gospel in Foreign Parts. Rev. Dr. 
Learning, already spoken of, and Dr. Richard Mansfield, 
performed at least occasional services for them. 

Rev, Ichabod Camp, a native of Durham, graduate 
of Yale 1743, divided his labors between the Episcopa- 
lians here and in Wallingford, from 1752 until 1760. 
He removed to Louisburgh, Vir., where he was murder- 
ed by a son-in-law. In the triennial catalogue, his death 
is represented as having occurred in the last mentioned 
year, but it has been supposed that it occurred at a later 
period. 

Rev. Abraham Jarvis^ native of Norwalk, and gradu- 
ate of Yale, 1761, was reader for the congregation from. 
1761, until he sailed to England, for orders, in the au- 
tumn of 1763. His people^ advanced forty pounds ster- 
ling to pay the expense of his voyage. Upon his re- 
turn he entered on the duties of his ministry, on a sala- 
ry of ninety pounds, twenty of it being given by the 
Society for propagating the gospel. He continued rec- 
tor until 1799, two years after he was elected Bishop of 
Connecticut, and then removed to Cheshire, afterwards 
to New Haven, where he died May 3d, 1813, aged 75. 

Rev. Calvin White^ a native of this town, graduate 
of Yale 1786, was invited in Sept., 1799, to become rec- 
tor, and performed services until July 27th, 1800. A 
like invitation was given to Rev. Joseph Warren, m Oct., 
1800, who was rector until Aug., 1803. Rev. Clement 
Merriam, was rector from April, 1804, till April, 1806. 
For some six months afterwards, Mr. Samuel Birge was 
employed as a lay-reader, and then the church was sup- 
plied by preachers employed from sabbath to sabbath, 
or by visiting clergymen. 

On the 3d of April, 1109, Rev. John Kewley, M. D., 
an Englishman, educated at Eton College, Cambridge, 
who had practised medicine in the West Indies, and \i\ 
Pennsylvania, but who had taken orders and been minis- 
ter in Chester, in Maryland, was called to the rectorship 
and soon after instituted. His ministry was both very 
acceptable and very profitable to his parishioners. But 

15 



176 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 

unhappily for the parties, though with their consent, the 
connection was dissolved by the Bishop in March, 1813. 
In the same year he was duly installed rector, in St. 
George's Church, in the city of New York, and the 
Rev. John Brady assistant rector. Both resigned their 
charge in 1816, and Dr. Kewley soon after returned to 
England. It is generally understood that he afterward 
went to Rome and became connected with the Catholic 
Church. A curious fact, confirmatory of this is given 
in the " Life of Dr. Milnor," * his successor in St. 
George's Church. 

Birdsey Glover JYoble^ native of New Milford, gradu- 
ate of Yale 1810, succeeded Dr. Kewley, in 1813, 
though then in deacon's orders, and officiated until Sept., 
1828, when he resigned. He was elected rector of the 
church in Elizabeth town, N. J. in, March, 1829, and re- 
signed in 1833. He engaged subsequently in teaching 
in Bridgeport, and then in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he 
was assistant minister in the church of the Holy Trini- 
ty. In 1849, he died in Bridgeport, aged, it is believed, 
about 58. 

Rev. Smith Pyne, who had been rector in Elizabeth- 
town from June 1st, 1826, till December, 1828, was in 
the course of the month or year last mentioned, elect- 
ed rector in Middletown, and entered upon his services 
the following month, but in August, 1830 resigned ; 
though in the autumn of 1831, he resumed services liere 
and continued them until August, 1836. He is now set- 
tled in Washington, D. C. 

In the interval between the two periods of Mr. Pyne's 
services. Rev. George Jones was invited to become rec- 
tor, and consented to serve the congregation a few 
months. He had been chaplain in the United States 
Navy several years, and then two years tutor in Yale 
College, where he was graduated in 1823. His services 
in Middletown were highly valuable and productive of 
much good. But his health not allowing him to dis- 
charge steadily the duties of a parish, he again accept- 
ed a chaplaincy in the Navy, in which service he is now 
acting. 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. lYT 

Rev. Dr. Samuel Farmer Jarvis^ son of Bishop Jar- 
vis, bom in Middle town and graduated at Yale 1805^ 
was elected rector April 11th, 1837, and the Rev. Dr. 
John Williams^ native of Deerfield, Mass., and graduate 
of Trinity College, assistant rector ; but Dr. Williams 
was afterwards called to the rectorship of the Episcopal 
church in Schenectady, where he officiated until called in 
1849, to the Presidency of Trinity College ; which of- 
fice he still holds, though recently elected and consecrat- 
ed assistant Bishop of Connecticut. 

Dr. Jarvis resided in Middletown until his death-, 
March 29th, 1851, aged 61. He was rector of the 
church in Bloomingdale, near New York city, and of St, 
Paul's in Boston, before settling in Middletown, and also 
a professor in Trinity College. Dr. Williams preached 
at his funeral, and it is understood, is preparing a me- 
moir of him, which will of course give an account of his 
vfritings. 

Rev. H. B. Sherman, supplied the congregation in 
Middletown for a time after the call of Dr. WiUiams to 
Schenectady, but was not rector. He has now the 
charge of the church in Bellevue, N. J. 

Rev. Edson Wilson Wiltbank, began to officiate in 
Middletown, April 11th, 1842, and was succeeded by 
Rev. Horace Hills, February 11th, 1844. 

The present incumbent, Rev. F. J. Goodwin, is a na- 
tive of South Berwick, Maine, graduate of Bowdoin Col- 
lege 1832. He entered upon his services here, August 
17th, 1845. 

Tliis church has passed through various scenes. It 
was generally on the advance until the Revolutionary 
war, when it was involved in difficulties, as Episcopal 
churches were elsewhere, by the connection of such 
churches with the state in England. The rectors gen- 
erally held that they were bound to pray in public as - 
semblies,^ for the king and royal family, as they had done 
aforetime, in a manner, which the great body of the 
Americans deemed to be wrong under existing circum- 
stances, and which after the declaration of independence^ 
was deemed an act of hostility to the government of the 



178 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETQWN. 



United States. Most rectors in the northern and middle 
States, after this declaration, closed their churches-. 
The venerable Dr. William White of Philadelphia, did 
not follow their example, and in his Memoirs of the Prot- 
estant Episcopal Churches in the United States, (p. Y7) 
he undertakes to show that the obligation then, to pray 
openly, and by name for the king and royal family, was 
not as strong as most of the rectors thought it to be. 
Whether right in his reasoning or not, it is certain Epis- 
copal churches were in great trouble in the Revolution. 
But after the war was over the Episcopal church in Mid- 
dletown revived. The people connected with it had not 
been confirmed, there being no bishop in America to per- 
form that service, until Rev. Samuel Seabury was con- 
secrated Bishop of Connecticut, in Scotland in 1784. 
On the 17th of September, 1786, this Bishop confirmed 
one hundred and twenty -.seven persons in this town, a 
few of whom, were perhaps from neighboring places. 

The number of communicants in the Church, in 1799, 
was 47 ; in 1810, 50 ; in 1812, 84 ; in 1814, 85 ; in 
1831, 90. The present number of communicants is 
about 180. 

Within the last four years, Mrs. Martha Mortimer 
Starr, now deceased, gave $3,000 to Domestic Missions 
and $3,000 more to Foreign. Within the same period, 
the congregation separately from her, have given $972- 
87 to the first of these objects, and $463 50 to the sec- 
ond ; to other public benevolent objects, $3,685 78 : 
total S5,122 15. 



Sketch of the Baptist Church. 

Individuals had been attached to the sentiments of the 
Baptists for some time. The First Church was formed 
in the city, Oct. 19th, 1795, consisting of eleven mem- 
bers, five males and six females. This has enjoyed the 
instruction of the following elders : 

Joshua Bradley^ a native of Kingston, Mass., gradu- 
ate of Brown University, preached to them for a timCo. 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. lYO 

George Phippen^ native of Salem, Mass., and gradu- 
ate of the same institution, preached to them more or 
less, from June 11th, 1812, to July 1816. 

Jeremiah F. Bridges^ a native of Colchester, suc- 
ceeded Mr. Phippen, and preached to them till Oct. 3dj 
1818. 

EH Ball., preached to them from Nov. 6th, 1818, to 
May 4th, 1823 ; James A. Bosicell^ from June 25th, 
1823, to the close of tlie year ; Daniel Wildman^ from 
sometime in 1824, till April 1st, 1825 ; John R* Dodge^ 
from May 1825, to Nov. 1827. 

John Cookson, an Englishman, preached to them from 
some time in the winter of 1828-9, until 1839 ; Thomas 
Wilksy from 1839, to sometime in 1840, and D. C. 
Haynes from May 1840, till Nov. 1841. 

William G. Howard^ a native of Newburyport, Mass., 
preached to them from some time in 1843, to Feb. 28th5 
184T. He has since been pastor of the Baptist Church 
in Essex, and of a Baptist Church in the city of Alba- 
ny. He is now preacliing in Rochester. 

Beriah JY. Leach., a native of iMiddletown, Ver., ed- 
ucated at Madison University, N. Y., commenced servi- 
ces in Middletown, September 1st, 1848, became pastor 
March 2d, 1849, and ministered to the congregation un- 
til Aug., 1851, when he resigned. 

Meriwether Wi7iston, accepted the pastoral charge ife 
October, 1851. 

How many communicants were admitted to the 
Church by the first two of the foregoing elders, is not 
ascertained. 

Elder Bridges, admitted - - - - 31 
" Ball, " - - - - 11 

" Boswell, "...-. 2 

" Wildman, " 8 

" Dodge, " 22 

" Cookson, " ... - . 168 
" Wilks, " .... - 15 

" Haynes, " 33 

" Howard, " 39 

" Leach, " . - ... 74 

The number of Members Jan. 1st, 1852, was 339. 
* 15 



180 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 

The Baptists built their first meeting-house in 1809, 
fifty-three by thirty-eight feet. Their present house 
was built in 1842. It is of brick, seventy-six feet by 
fifty-six, and cost $12,500. Towards this, Mr. Robert 
Paddock, a brother in the Church, and his wife, Mrs. 
Martha Paddock, paid more than five thousand dollars. 
Since her husbands death in May, 1845, she has also 
given $1,000 for a permanent fund, the interest of which 
is to be applied towards the support of the ministry. 

Regular contributions are made by the people to the 
American and Foreign Bible Society, to Foreign and 
Home Missions, and for Ministerial Education. Contri- 
butions too are occasionally taken up for other public be- 
nevolent objects. 



Sketch of the Methodist E. Church. 

Although Methodist preaching was begun in Middle- 
town in 1789, it is understood first in Middlefield ; al- 
though a circuit, to be called Middletown circuit, Avas in 
contemplation in 1790, and two preachers were sent_ to 
form and travel the circuit, yet the Society in the city 
takes its date from December, 1791. The circuit was 
formed, and continued a circuit until 1816, when Mid- 
dletown became a station, or separate charge. It has 
been attached to several Districts, as New York, New 
London, Rhinebeck, New Haven and Hartford, which 
has made the change of presiding elders greater in pro- 
portion to the time allowed for services, than the circuit 
and stationed preachers. 

The Congregation increased rather rapidly before the 
establishment of the Wesley an University in the city. 
It has increased more rapidly since, not only as the Fac- 
ulty, their families and the students generally are con- 
nected with it, but as families in a considerable number 
of instances have moved into the city for the sake of 
helping their sons the more conveniently through their 
classical course. This is evident among other proofs, 
from the increase of communicants in the church. In 
1816, the number was 112 ; in 1826, 172 ; in 1846, 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 181 

when the University had become quite prosperous 515. 
It should be stated, however, that at the last mentioned 
date, the number was unusually large, and that members 
in Middlefield then belonged to the Church, as well as 
members from the families of officers in the University 
and such students as bad joined the church by letter and 
profession. Ever since 1840, about sixty students havo 
been communicants, rather more than half being profes- 
sors of religion. The number of communicants, Jan. 1 
1052 was 430. 

The following account of the preachers to this church 
and of the presiding elders, has been kindly furnished 
by Rev. Mr. Reid, the present officiating minister. 

JRcv. Jesse Lee first preached in Middletown, 1789 

1790. He sent two preachers to form and travel the circuit, and Daniel 
Smith formed the first class in Middletown. 

1791. John Allen & Dau'l Smith travelled the circuit, Jesse Lee, P. Elder 
1792 Richard Swain, Aaron Hunt, circuit preacher, Jacob Brush, " 

1793. Joshua Taylor, Benj. Frisbe, " Geo. Roberts, " 

1794. Menzes Raynor, Daniel Ostrander, " " 

1795. Evans Rogers, Joel Ketchum, " Jesse Lee, F. Elder. 

1796. Joshua Taj^ler, Lawrence McCombs, " S. Hutchinson, " 
1797 Michael Coats, Peter Jayne, " " " 
1798. Augustus Jocelyn, " " " 
1793. Ebenezer Stevens, " -' " 

1800. James Coleman, Roger Searles, " F. Garretson, " 

1801. Elijah Batchelor, Luman Andrews, " " " 
1802 Abner Wood. James Annis, " " " 

1803. Abner Wood, Nathan Emory, " D. Ostrander, " 

1804. Ebenezer Washburn, N. Emory, " " " 

1805. Ebe. Washburn, Luman Andrus, " " " 

1806. Luman Andrus, Zalmon Lyon, *' Wm. Thatcher, " 

1807. W. Thatcher, R. Harris, O Sykes, " Jos. Crawford, " 

1808. James M. Smith, Phineas Rice, " " *' 

1809. Nobel W. Thomas, Coles Carpenter, " " " 

1810. Ohver Sykes, Johnathan Lyon, " " *' 

1811. Zalmon Lyon, Jesse Hunt, " Wm. Anson, " 

1812. i^aron Hunt, Arnold Scholfields, " Elijah Woolsey, '* 

1813. Elijah Woolsey, Arnold Scholfields, " Nathan Bangs, " 

1814. Wm. Jewett, Peter Bussing, " " " 

1815. Wm. Jewett, Jonathan Lyon, " " " 

1816. Middletown a Station, Tho's Thorpe, S. Prea. " '* 
1817-18 Marvin Richardson, " E.Washburn," 
1819-20. William Jewett, " " " 
1821-22. Phinehas Cook, " Sam'lMerwin, •♦ 



182 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 



1S23. 

1824. 

1825-26. 

1827. 

1828. 

1829-30. 

1831. 

1832. 

1833-34. 

1835. 

1836. 

1837. 

1838. 

1839. 

1840. 

1841. 

1842. 

1843-44. 

1845. 

1846. 

1847. 

1848. 

1849-50. 

1851. 



Josiah Bowen, 

Ebenezer Washburn, 
Heman Bangs, 

(C 

Thomas Burch, 
Fitch Read, 

Bartholomew Creagh, 
John C. Green, 
Charles K. True, 
Elisha Andrevvs, 

(C 

Francis Hodgson, 

Abiather M. Osbon, 

<< 

Edwin E. Griswold, 
John L. Gilder, 
James Floy, 

Zepheniah N. Lewis, 
Moses L. Scudder, 
John M. Reid, 



Sam'l Merwin, '^ 
Sam'l Lucky, " 

D. Ostrandor, " 
Laban Clark, " 



Heman Bangs, " 
S. Martindale, " 



John Lindsey, " 
Fitch Read, " 
H. Bangs, « 

C.W. Carpenter," 

S. D. Furg-erson, " 
Barth. Creagh, " 



E.E. Griswold, « 
S. Landon, " 

a (I 

J. B. Stratton, " 



The late excellent President Olin, was in the habit of 
giving $100 annually for Foreign Missions, and the So- 
ciety, separately from him, were in the habit of giving 
about $200 more. Collections are taken up for the 
Colonization and Seamen's Friend Societies, and for 
general educational purposes. 

The society built their first Church edifice of brick, 
in 1805, 42 feet by 32^ on the north side of the South 
Green. They built their second church on the same 
site, and of the same material in 1828, 75 feet by dby 
height of wall 30 ; audience room 63 by 52 : cost, in- 
cludmg steeple, $7,500. A lecture room in the rear of 
this, also of brick was built in 1851, 56 fei;t by 40, 
audience room 38 by 34 feet, cost $1600. Immediately 
by these buildmgs the Society have a parsonage. 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 183 

African Methodist Episcopal Church. 

This church was organized by Rev. James Anderson^ 
a colored clergyman of New Haven in 1828. The first 
trustees were Asa Jeffrey, Joseph Gilbud, E. Deforest, 
G. W. Jeffrey and John Ilambleton ; ail of whom, ex- 
cepting E. Deforest, arc now dead. 

Their church edifice, 39 feet by 31, was built and 
dedicated in 1829. It stands a short distance west of 
the University. It was built by subscription and in- 
volved the trustees in a debt for some years, from wliicli 
they are now free. 

The average congregation consists of about 100 per- 
sons, 30 of Avhom are communicants. They are sup- 
plied vdth preaching by Conference, and have had a 
very efiicient Sabbath School, and Temperance Society. 
The superintendant of the school, has been many years, 
if not uniformly, one of their own people — the greater 
proportion of the teachers, 12 in number, have been 
whites. The scholars on an average are about 50. 
The Library contains 281 volumes. 



* m * %* ^ >- 



Universalist Church. 

The Universalists in Middletown held a meeting Nov. 
29th, 1829, for the purpose of forming themselves into 
a legal society, and to raise funds for the support of 
preaching. The Lancasterian School house was hired 
by them, and preaching supported in it for about ten 
years. In the autumn of 1838 committees were ap- 
pointed to procure a site for a church, and to contract 
for the building : the succeeding year, a site VvTis secured, 
and a church raised and completed on the south-west 
corner of Main and Parsonage street. This is 70 feet 
by 52 'y the front of the basement is used for stores, and 
in the rear there is a conference room with desk and 
seats. The building, with the site, cost about $12,000. 
Several individuals united and gave a bell, which weighs 
1831 pounds. 

The house was dedicated in October^ 1839, and at 



184 SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 

the same time Rev. L. S. Everett of Baltimore installed 
pastor. 

Mr. Everett was called to Salem, Massachusetts in 
April 1841, and the Rev. Merritt Smiford of Vermont, 
was installed his successor the same season. Mr. San- 
ford becoming unable to preach by a bronchitic affec- 
tion, an arrangement was made to hire a supply until 
he should recover his health, but some dissatisfaction 
growing out of the arrangement, he asked for a dismis • 
sion which was granted. 

September 15th, 1844, Rev. T. P. Mell from Hav- 
erhill, Massachusetts, was settled as their pastor, and 
still ministers to the congregation. 

About 80 families are connected with ths Society, 
and from 25 to 30 persons are members of the church. 

Contributions have been taken up for the Bible cause, 
and for Sabbath Schools among their own denomination. 



Roman Catholic Church. 

The oppressed and suffering Catholics of Ireland for 
some years past, have been coming to this place and 
vicinity, as they have to other centres of business in 
the State and country, seeking employment and the 
means of support for themselves and their families. — 
While many females have gained their objects, in the 
dwellings of inhabitants here, and many males on the 
farms of the owners and cultivators of the soil, no where 
within a considerable distance have so many men found 
employment as in the Portland Quarries, opposite the 
north end of the city. They needed a house of worship. 
Accordingly under the guidance and control of Rev. 
John Brady, their pastor at the time, they began in Oct. 
1843, to build them a brick church of respectable size, 
fronting the North Green. This was soon found insuf- 
ficient to accommodate their growing numbers. They 
therefore under the guidance and control of their present 
pastor. Rev. John Brady Jun., a relative of his prede- 
cessor, began in June 1850 to build a much larger church 
of Portland stone, of Gothic architecture, on the site of the 



SOCIETY AND CITY OF MIDDLETO^VN. 185 

previous building, wliich is now very nearly ready for 
consecration. The audience room contains 224 slips, 
and though there are no side galleries, it has an Organ 
gallery sufficient for a very large choir. This exceeds 
in size any other audience room in the city, and in beau- 
ty none can be compared with it. The cost of the church 
we cannot state. 



SKETCH OF MIDDLEFIELD. 



The settlement in this Society was begun about 1700. 
The earliest settlers were Samuel Allen, Benjamin Mil- 
ler and Samuel Wetmore from the First Society. With 
these, others soon united from the same society, by the 
name of Bacon, Hubbard, Stow, Turner and Ward ; 
from Durham by the name of Camp, Coe and Lyman ; 
from Stratford by the name of Birdsey ; from Guilford 
by the name of Bartlett : persons also were there by the 
name of Chilson and Hale. When the Society was in- 
corporated in Oct. 1744, there were more than fifty 
families living Avithin its limits. The names of the 
heads of these families were, Samuel Allen, Sen., Sam- 
uel Allen, Jr., Ephraim and Obadiah Allyn, Thomas 
Alvord, Nathaniel and Joseph Bacon, John Bartlett, 
John Birdsey and John Brown, Abraham and Edward 
Camp, John Chilson and John Chilson, Jr., Joseph, Da- 
vid and Robert Coe, Gideon and Thomas Cooke, John 
and Isaac Doud, and Daniel Driggs, Jeremiah Guild, 
Ebenezer and Joseph Hale, Eliakim Hall, Samuel Stow, 
Hawley and Ebenezer Hubbard, Jeremiah Learning, 
Benjamin Miller and Benjamin Miller Jr., Joseph Mil- 
ler, Sen., Ichabod, Amos and David Miller, Moses Par- 
sons, John Rock^vell and Daniel StOAV, David Strickland 
and David Strickland, Jr., Stephen Turner, Sen., and 
Samuel Warntr, Samuel Wetmore, Sen., Benjamin 
Wetmore and Benjamin Wetmore, Jr., Beriah, Joseph, 
Thomas, Daniel, Caleb and Prosper Wetmore, and Jo- 
siah Wetmore, jr., and Titus John Whitmore. The 
aggregate list of all these persons exceeded <£3,000. 

Almost all these persons were farmers, and soon after 
the incorporation of the Society, the population reached 
a point from which it did not greatly vary for many 
years. But the important water privileges on West 
river, in its passage through the Society ; particularly 



SKETCH OF MIDDLEFlELD. 187 

those on the tributary of this stream, issuing from the 
mountains on its western border, rendered much more 
valuable by a large reservoir secured by a dam erected 
in 1848, have induced numbers to engage in manufac- 
tures. Hence the population has been increasing for 
some years, and moi-e^ recently, and a village is spring- 
ing up on this tributary. The number of families in 
Middlefield in 1815 was ninety-two, and the number of 
dwelling houses about eighty-one. The families in the 
beginning of the current year, (1852,) were one hundred 
and thirty-five, and the dwelling houses one hundred and 
seventeen. The people built their first meeting-house, 
in 1745, forty feet square. But at what time the church 
was organized does not certainly appear, as the ancient 
records of the church are lost. It was probably organiz- 
ed by the same Council that ordained the first pastor, 
Rev. Ebenezer Gould, Oct. 10th, 1747. 

With this pastor some individuals became dissatisfied, 
for reasons which do not now fully appear, and consid- 
erable disturbance was occasioned. Still he remained 
pastor until about 1756, when he was dismissed. He 
afterwards removed to East Granville, Mass., where he 
died in 1779. The senior pastor in that place. Rev. 
Dr. Cooley, has a faint recollection of having seen him 
in the last hours of his life, vrhen he was too much ex- 
hausted to speak distinctly. He never heard of Mr. 
Gould's preaching in Granville, in a single instance. 
The probability is that his ministry ceased when he was 
dismissed, unless in some rare instances he preached an 
occasional sermon. 

After his dismission the people in Middlefield made 
several attempts to settle a minister and failed ; but on 
the 28th of February, 1765, they settled Rev, Joseph 
Denisouj a native of Windham and graduate of Yale 
College, 1763. He died Feb. 12th, 1770, aged 31. 

Rev. Abner Benedict, native of North Salem, N. Y., 
and graduate of Yale, 1769, succeeded Mr. Denison, 
Nov. 20th, 1771, but w^as dismissed 1785, that he might 
remove to New Lebanon in the State of New York, that 
a feeble daughter might enjoy the benefits of the medic- 
inal waters of that town, where he was installed, and la- 

16 



188 SKETCH OF MIDDLEFIELD. 

bored in the ministry six years. He afterwards preach- 
ed in various places ; but died at Roxbury, in the coun- 
ty of Delaware, Nov. 19th, 1818, aged 78. 

Mr. Benedict was a son of Dea. Peter Benedict, and 
brother of Rev. Joel Benedict, D. D., of Lisbon, after- 
w^ards of Plainfield ; and of Lieut. Peter Benedict, an offi- 
cer in the Revolutionary war. He was a man of strong 
affections and an able divine. While in Middlefield he 
accomplished by his address and efforts, the fredom of 
all the slaves held by his people. 

He left several manuscripts, on which he had bestow- 
ed much labor, particularly a dissertaion on the book 
of Revelation, -but whether any of these have been pub- 
lished is not known. 

This dismission was exceedingly unfavorable to the in- 
terests of religion in Middlefield. Had he remained 
there, the church would probably have been great- 
ly strengthened, and the society united and prosperous. 
But after he was gone the Society remained vacant more 
than twenty years. No minister of Christ was statedly 
in the desk on the sabbath, enlightening and establishing 
the minds of the people in the great truths of the gos- 
pel, and telling them on week days from house to house, 
vrords whereby they and their children might be saved. 
The old professors of religion died or removed, uDtil the 
church was almost extinct. 

But the Lord havino; revived his work in the neio;hbor- 
nig town of Durham, and this having spread somewhat 
in this place, the church was reorganized, or rather a 
new church was formed in Dec, 1808, and 29 persons 
solemnly entered into covenant with God, and with one 
another. A few of these had been members of the old 
church, the others were those who had recently enter- 
tained hope of a saving interest in Christ. 

But the members of this church, and those disposed 
to attend worship with them, had no meeting-house of 
their OAvn, and difficulties existed in the way of their oc- 
cupying the old meeting-house. In this situation they 
met for a time in private dwelliugs, and then assembled 
for worship in a conference-house, which they erected, 
until they found means to build a sanctuary. This they 



SKETCH OF MIDDLEFIELD, 189 

raised on tlie site of the old meeting-house in 1841, and 
dedicated it June 8, 1842. This, separately from the 
foundation, cost about $2,000. It is 46 feet by 38, and 
for this a bell has since been procured at an expense of 
$150. 

" For a number of years they were without a perma- 
nent ministry. Sometimes they enjoyed the labors of a 
minister for several months together ; occasionally they 
were supplied by neighboring ministers ; and frequently 
were destitute of the preaching of the gospel on the sab- 
bath." 

On the 24th of May, 1820, Rev, Stephen Hayes, of 
Newark, N. J., was installed their pastor, with the un- 
derstanding, that he should preach for them one third of 
the time, and two- thirds of the time in Westfield, Thus 
he labored until June 6, 182T, when he was dismissed. 

Rev. James JYoyes, of Wallingford, graduate of Un- 
ion College, 1821, was constituted pastor of the church 
July 23d, 1829, and devoted his whole time to their ser- 
vice ; but in Jan. 1839, w^as dismissed. Since then he 
has been settled in Burlington, but has spent most of 
the period in Haddam, where he has instructed youth 
part of the time ; sometimes he has helped his brethren 
in the ministry, and sometimes has supplied vacant con- 
gregations. 

After the dismission of Mr. Noyes, the people were 
supplied for two or three years by Rev. Dwight Seward, 
who had previously been settled in New Britain, and has 
since been settled in West Hartford. He is a native of 
Durham, graduate of Yale College, 1831, and graduate 
of the Theological Depart ; is now pastor of a Dutch 
Reformed Church in Yonkers. 

Rev. James T. Dickinson, native of Lowville, N. Y., 
graduate of Yale, 1286, succeeded Mr. Seward, and 
supplied the people a year and a half. He w^as for a 
time pastor of the church in Norwich city, and then a 
Foreign Missionary. 

December 30th,' 1846, Rev. James D. More, native of 
Gorsham, in Wiltshire, Eng., took the charge of the 
church. He was dismissed April 18, 1850, and install- 
ed in Clinton on the 2d of July following. 



190 SKETCH OF MIDDLEFIELD* 

Rev. A, V. TL Powelly commenced serving here in May^ 
1851, and is the present supply. 

There were three Deacons in the church before its re- 
organization, and there have been four since, viz : 



Elected. 



Ichabod Miller, 
Joseph Coe, 
Giles Miller, 
Prosper Auger, 
William Lyman, 
Horace Skinner, 
Phinehas Auger, 



About 


1774. 


Jan. 10, 


1809. 


April 23, 


1838. 


iC 


a 


April 5, 


1850. 



Died 




Ages 


Aug. 22, 


1783. 


87. 


June 10, 


1784. 


71. 


March 1 , 


1804. 


77. 


Dec. 16, 


1836. 


81. 



Oct. 1848. 56. 



While the church has been blessed at times by the 
special influences of the spirit, so many have been re- 
moved by death and dismission, that it has never had at 
one time more than eighteen male members, nor an ag- 
gregate of members exceeding sixty-eight. This was 
the number at the commencement of the current vear, 
1852. 

The church and their associates, (for they have no dis- 
tinct ecclesiastical society,) are free from all pecuniary 
embarrassment, and besides their conference and meet- 
ing-house, have a parsonage, which cost $1507 57 ; and 
funds for the support of the gospel, amounting to $1457. 
Of the latter sums, $200 were given by Mrs. Eunice 
Stow. They of course are in much better circumstan- 
ces than heretofore for sustaining religious institutions. 

As their circumstances have improved, the contribu- 
tions of the congregation to benevolent objects have in- 
creased. A collection has recently been taken up of 
nearly $100, mostly for the American Missionary Asso- 
ciation. Some small contributions have been made for 
the Bible Society ; and the Sabbath School the last year 
raised a few dollars for the Tract Society. 

The Methodist Church. 

This was commenced in 1791, and from that time on- 
ward enjoyed more or less preaching. In 1815, the 
members were reckoned with the members of the M. E. 
Church in the city, and perhaps at other times. The 
denomination gathered so much strength, that in 1834 



SKETCH OF MIDDLEFIELD. 191 

thej built a church edifice, 38 hj 28 feet, which cost 
from fifteen to eighteen hundred dollars. They have 
since remodeled it at an expense of four hundred dollars 
more. From the time of the erection of this building, 
they have generally had preaching on the Sabbath. For 
the last fifteen years the communicants on an average 
have been about fifty-five ; which is the present number. 

There are now six school districts in Middlefield. 
One formed in 1832, has recently taken the name of 
Falls District, because it includes the new village already 
mentioned. The number of children in the Society, be- 
tween the ages of four and sixteen, is 160. 

There are two grave yards in Middlefield. The 
North yard, about a mile above the churches, was laid out 
in 1737, and is nearly filled with graves. The Central 
Grave-yard is on elevated ground very near the Metho- 
dist church. It was purchased by the Society and laid 
out in 1828, and enlarged in 1849. It is laid out in lots, 
separated by narrow walks. 

This Society is regarded as very healthy, and the pro- 
portion of deaths is small compared with the population. 
The average annually for the last few years is reported 
as six. 



♦ 16 



SKETCH OF WESTFIELD. 



This Society lies directly north of Middlcfield and is 
inhabited generally by a farming population, though 
some have turned their attention to manufactures. The 
first settler was Edward Higby, who lived at the foot of 
the bluft", which from him is called Higby Mountain. 
He settled there about 1720, perhaps a little earlier, and 
died in November, 1775, aged about 90. The other 
early settlers were, Benjamin Atkins, Benjamin, Na- 
thaniel, John and Joseph Bacon, Joseph Cornwell, Joseph 
Doolittle, Samuel Plumb and Daniel Roberts, from the 
First Society of Middletown ; John Warner, Israel, 
John and Jeremiah Wilcox, from Cromwell ; Joseph 
Clarke, a native of West Haven, Nathaniel Churchell, 
from Wethersfield ; Edward and Josiah Boardman, from 
Glastonbury ; David and Richard Doud, Asahel Dudley 
and Joseph Graves, from Guilford. 

The people were incorporated as a parish in 1766, but 
did not buitd them a house for public worship until 1773. 
In this year they built one 48 by 38 feet, which they 
used as a sanctuary more than three fourths of a centu- 
ry. On the 29th of December, the same year, the 
church was organized^ consisting of tvventy-six members, 
twenty-one of whom were received from the church in 
the First Society, and five from the church in Cromwell. 
At this time Rev. Thomas Minor, a native of Woodbu- 
ry, graduate of Yale College, 1769, was ordained their 
pastor. He sustained this relation until death, April 28, 
1826, aged 88 ; but was so enfeebled in the latter part 
of his life, that Rev. Stephen Hayes, mentioned in the ac- 
count of Middlefield, was installed May 24, 1820, as a 
colleague pastor with him. 

Mr. Hayes preached in Westfield two-thirds of the 
time, and more than a year after the death of Mr. Mi 
nor, being dismissed June 6, 1827. He afterwards 
preached in North Madison, and Exeter. 



SKETCH OF WESTFIELD. 193 

Rev. Stephen Toplif, a native of Willington, gradu- 
ate of Yale in 1825, and of the Theological Department 
in that institution, having preached sometime in West- 
field, was installed May 27, 1829, and dismissed Sep- 
tember 25th, 1838. He has been pastor, since Septem- 
ber 1st, 1841, of the church in Oxford. 

Rev. James Hanmer Francis., native of Wethersfield, 
graduate of Yale 1826, and of the Theological Depart- 
ment of that college, who had been pastor of the church 
in Dudley, Mass., was installed in Westfield, Decem- 
ber 2d, 1840, and dismissed, June 11th, 1845. 

Rev. Lent S. Hough, native of Wallingford, educated 
classically at Bangor, Maine, and theologically at Ban- 
gor and New Haven, was pastor in Chaplin and in North 
Woodstock, and stated supply in North Madison, and in 
Bethel in Danbury, before he came to Westfield, some- 
time in 1846, where he was stated supply until his in- 
stallation, February 10th, 1847. He is the present pas- 
tor. 

There have been two hundred and ninety-four mem- 
bers hi this church from the beginning ; twenty-six at 
the organization, ninety-two admitted by Mr. Minor, 
when sole pastor, twenty-one admitted while Mr. Hayes 
was colleague, and while sole pastor after Mr. Minor's 
death ; ninety-two while Mr. ToplifF was supply and 
pastor ; thirty-three by Mr. Francis, and thirty-eight by 
Mr. Hough. The number of members January 1st, 
1852, was one hundred and eighteen. 

Deacons. Elected. Died w moved from Sac. Age. 



Nathaniel Boardman, 
Amos Churchill, 
Samuel Gal pin, 
Jedediah Wilcox, 
Selah Galpin, 



About 1779. I April 9th, 1807. 

do. Became a Baptist & left. 

1794. 1 Sept. 21, 1842. 
Ap'l 30,1830. I 
Ap'l 14,1843. I 



64 

82 



The people built a new house for public worship, in 
1849, which was dedicated in December of that year. 
This is 64 feet by 40, and exclusive of the foundation, 
cost $4,500. This sum however covers the expense of 
the bell, clock and furniture. 

The Society had a fund, raised by subscription in 
1818, about half of which was lost by the failure of the 



194 SKETCH OF WESTFIELD. 

Eagle Bank, in New Haven. The present funds of tlie 
Society are : 

The residue of that fund, about $1,000 00. 

Appropriation money, 27 79. 
Money lent, secured by mortguage, 250 00. 

Money lent, not thus secured, 200 00. 
Lands given by the late Thomas 

Minor, M: D., estimated at 570 00. 

Parsonage, estimated at 1,000 00. 



Total, $3,047 79. 

The contributions made by the people to benevolent 
objects for the last four years, have been, for the Bible 
cause $100 54 ; for Foreign Missions, through the 
AmericanBoard, 199 51 ; for Home Missions, $105 04 ; 
for the Tratct Cause, $93 48 — to which may be added 
$10, given to the Sabbath School Union — total, $508- 



57. 



< «» « ft I ^ » 



The Baptists in Westfield. 

The Strict Congregationalists in this place, spoken of 
in the sketch of the First Society, professed themselves 
Baptists in 1804, and were formed into a church, which 
then consisted of 12 members. Elder Josiah Graves 
was their pastor. He died July 24, 1825, and after his 
death they had preachers by the name of Higby, Judd, 
Goodwin, Wakeman, Ballard and Baty. 

A meeting-house which they built in the west part of 
Westfield in 1312, 36 feet by 26, in 1840 was moved to 
near the site of the Congregational church, and repaired. 
For two or three years the Baptists have not held meet- 
ings by themselves. 

In 1815 there were 93 families in Westfield, and 
about 81 dwelling houses. In the beginning of 1852, 
there were 120 families and 104 d^\elling houses. There 
are four school-houses in the Society, but the children of 
some families attend school without the bounds of the 
Society, while the children of some other families come 
from beyond the bounds and attend school here. 



SKETCH OF WESTFIELD. 195 

There have been four Cemeteries In the Society. One 
is wholly abandoned on account of the wetness of the 
ground, another is nearly abandoned. Of the other two 
one is not far from the churches ; the other is on West 
Street, belongs to families and is much used. 

The deaths in the Society for the last ten years, havo 
been eighty-four. In some years the mortality has been 
much greater than in others, as the following statement 
shows : In 1842, there were 7 deaths ; in 1843, 9 ; in 
1844, 3 ; in 1845, 8 ; in 1846, 8 ; in 1847, 9 ; in 1848, 
4 ; in 1849, IT ; in 1850, T ; in 1851, 14. 



PHYSICIANS IN MIDDLETOWN. 



In the Address mention is made of Brs. John Cooper, 
John Jirnold, Abijah Moore, Eliot Rawson, John Os- 
born and John Oshorn, 2d, father and son, and John 
Dickiiiso7i, as physicians in Middletown. All these are 
believed to have lived in the first Society, and within the 
limits of the city. Besides these, many other physicians 
have resided in the city, of whom a few particulars will 
presently be given. Some of the earlier and some of 
the later physicians obtained their education in litera- 
ture and medical science, in private, and others at pub- 
lic institutions. A greater proportion of the later phy- 
sicians have had their medical education at institutions 
of a public character. Most who have been in practice 
since the existence of the Medical Society of the Coun- 
ty, have been members of it, and through that members 
of the Medical Society of the State. A part of those 
hereafter named are dead, some live here, and some in 
other parts of the country. Those whose birth-places 
are not spoken of are regarded as natives of the First 
Society of this town. 

Ebenezer Gilbert, was for a time a member of Yale 
College, but by sickness was obliged to suspend study 
and leave the institution before the time for taking his 
degree. He afterwards studied medicine with Drs. Ives 
and Hubbard, in New Haven, but completed them with 
Dr. John Dickinson of this city. During a part of the 
Revolution he was surgeon in one of our vessels of war. 
He afterwards went to the West Indies for his health, 
settled at St. Pierre, in the island of Martinique, where 
he remained twenty -five years, practising his profession 
during most, if not the whole of that period. He re- 
turned to this place in 1813, and though advanced in 
years, practised considerably here. He died January 
ITth, 1833, in his 78th year. 



PHYSICIANS IN FIRST SOCIETY. 197 

Ebenezer Tracy, native of Norwich, studied medicine 
and surgery with Dr. Turner of that town : has practis- 
ed medicine and surgery in Middletown, since 1785. 

William Brenton Hall, native of Waliingficd, grau- 
ate of Yale, 1786, studied medicine, and probably be- 
gan practice here, about 1790, of which he had a re- 
spectable share. He was Treasurer of the Medical So- 
ciety of the State from 1801, until his death in 1809. 

Dr, Bemiet, an Englishman, practised in Middletown 
a few years. 

Thomas Minor, native of Westfield Societj^. See 
onward. 

William Tully, native of Saybrook, graduate of Yale, 
1806, M. D., studied medicine with Dr. Mason Fitch 
Coggswell, of Hartford, and spent two winters Avith Dr. 
Nathan Smith, at Dartmouth College. He began prac- 
tice in Milford, practised a short time in Cromwell, and 
a number of years in Middletown — practised also a num- 
ber of years in Albany, in partnership with Dr. Alden 
March, and then resided in New Haven twenty-one 
years. He was Professor in the Vermont Academy of 
Medicine, for fourteen years, where his department for 
about half the time was the principles and practice of 
medicine solely, which required one lecture a day, and 
for the other half, he taught in addition, Materia Medi- 
ca and Therapeutics, giving two lectures a day. In 
New Haven was professor of Materia Medica and The- 
rapeutics in the Medical Department of Yale College, 
fourteen years. He is now practising in Springfield, 
Massachusetts. 

Henry Woodward, native of Torringford. See on- 
ward. 

Isaac Conkling, native of East Hampton, L. I., stu- 
dent of Dr. Ebenezer Sage, of Sag Harbor, L. I., at- 
tended lectures in Columbia College, New York City, 
practised three or four years in Portland, about as many 
in Oneida County, N. Y., and nine years in Middletown. 
Died in Portland February 24, 1824, aged 44. 

Edward S. Cone, son of Rev. Salmon Cone, of Col- 
chester, graduate of Middlebury College, 1815, student 
of Dr. William Tuily, attended lectures in New Haven, 



198 PHYSICIANS IN FIRST SOCIETY. 

had good share of practice ; died February 13, 1831, 
aged nearly 36 years. 

Frederic Morgan, See Physicians in Middle Had- 
dam, 

David Harrison, native of North Branford, student 
of Dr. Parker, of Wallingford, graduated M. D., at 
Yale College, 1825, began practice in Durham, moved 
to Middle toAvn, in 1829 ; in 1837, went to the Spanish 
West Indies for his health and practised there, return- 
ing to Middletown in 1842. 

Joseph Barratt, an Englishman by birth, professor of 
Botany, Chemistry and Mineralogy, in the Military 
Academy, was graduated M. D., at Yale College, in 
1834. Besides performing professional duties, he has 
paid much attention to the language of the American In- 
dians, and various branches of natural science. 

Gurdon H. Parkis, attended lectures at Pittsfield, 
and was graduated M. D., at Williams College, in 1829. 
About this time he came to Middletown and practised, 
left in 1833 ; at an after period he practised dentistry 
in Norwich. 

Chester Parkis, brother of Gurdon, came to Middle- 
town a few months after him, and left about the same 
time. He afterwards practised dentistry, in Salem, 
Mass. 

Charles Woodward, M. D., son of Dr. Samuel Wood- 
ward of Torringford, studied medicine with his father, 
and with his brother. Dr. Samuel B. Woodward, in 
Wethersfield, where he practised in 1821, then ten 
years in Windsor ; in 1832, he came to Middletown, 
where he has since practised. 

Samuel Gray Southnayd, M. D. graduate of Yale, 
1834. After practising for a time in Middletown, he 
settled and practised in New York. He has since given 
up his profession, as a principal concern, and engaged in 
other business. 

Thomas Miner, M. I)., native of Stonington, attend- 
ed lectures in Pittsfield, practised medicine some years 
in West Stockbridge, and then in Middletown j is now 
practising in Hartford. 



PHYSICIANS IN FIRST SX3CIETY. 199 

William B, Casey^M. D., graduate of Columbia 
College, N. Y., 1833, studied medicine and was grad- 
uated at the University of Pennsylvania, began practice 
in New York in 1836, and in Middletown, 1839 ; w^as 
mayor of the city in '51. 

Elisha B. Mye^ native of Sandwich, Mass., gradu- 
ate of Wesley an University in 1835, studied medicine 
with Dr. Thomas Miner, 2d, of Middletown, and in New 
Haven, "where he was graduated M. D., in 1837 *, prac- 
tised in Moodus, a village in East Haddam, from 183T 
till nearly the close of 1851 ; is now settled in Middle- 
town. 

Hamilton Breicer^ native of East Hartford, graduate 
of Wesleyan University, 1838, graduated M. D., at 
New Haven, in 1841, practised in Middletow^n several 
years, moved to Brookl^m in '51 ; is now engaged in 
insurance. 

Franklin Woodruffs native of Burlington, studied 
medicine with Dr. William Brown of Colhnsville, and 
his brother Dr. Lucius Woodruff of New Britain. The 
degree of M. D., was conferred upon him at the New 
York University in 1844, and in the same year he set- 
tled in Middletown. 

George W, Burke^ native of New Haven, graduate of 
the Wesleyan University, 1839, studied medicine witli 
Dr. A. Brigham of Hartford, and in New Haven, where 
lie was graduated Doctor of Medicine in '43 ; practis- 
ed in Palmer, Mass., has come to Middletown since the 
commencement of the current year. 

Ellsworth Burr, native of Haddam, Botanic Physi- 
cian, who studied with Dr. Isaac G. Sperry of Hartford, 
has practised in Middletown and vicinity since 1837. 

William C. Bell, Homoepathic physician, studied 
medicine one year under Horace Ballard, M. D., of 
Chester, Mass., and then mostly under Professor Child, 
of Pittsfield, where he was graduated M. D., in 1833. 
He afterwards practised in Austerlitz, N. Y., and in 
Great Barrington, Mass., till, '49, when he came to 
Middletown, where he has since practised. 



17 



200 OBITUARY OF DR. T. MINOR. 

Physicians in Middlefielaand Westfield, 

The people in Middlefield and Westfield have depend- 
ed principally for medical aid upon the physicians in the 
First Society, and in other adjoining places. About the 
few physicians who have resided and practised in these 
places, a few words will be added to what is said in the 
address, (pp. 95 and 6.) Dr. A. Ward practised in 
Middlefield a few years only, dying August 12th, 1788, 
aged 32. Dr. J. Hoadley, native of Branford, gradu- 
ate of Yale, 1768, practised a longer period, liad the re- 
putation of being very skilful in curing the cholic. He 
died March 2d, 1810, aged 66"^', Dr. Hatch who prac- 
tised in Westfield for a short time, and then moved to New 
Hartford, and afterwards to Granville, Mass., though a 
very respectable man, engaged only in part in his profes- 
sion in New Hartford, and very little in Granville. A 
Dr. Morris is said to have practised for a short time in 
Westfield, about 1830, who moved to Meriden, and 
thence to Ohio. 



a > « ^» ^ »i 



Thomas Minor, M. D. 

There are published accounts, in V/illiams' American 
Medical Biography, of two of the deceased physicians 
in the foregoing list, which in an abridged form will now 
"be given. 

The first is an account of Dr. Thomas Minor, son of 
Rev. Thomas Minor, of the parish of Westfield. This 
is mostly autobiographical ; the rest is from the pen of 
Dr. S. B. Woodward, who well knew him. The whole 
is much too long for insertion. But it is due to the 
standing of Dr. Minor, tliat some facta should be here 
given concerning him. He was born Oct. 15th, 1777, 
and in childhood and early youth sufibred much from 
feebleness and disease, but entered Yale College in 1792, 

* Phineas Miller, a native of Middlefield, and brother of the Hon. 
Asher Miller, who studied medicine with the 2d Dr. John Osbone, settled 
in Norwalk, and had a large practice. He has been dead more than twen- 
ty years. 



OBITUARY OF DR. T. MINOR. 201 

when he was about fifteen years of age, and was gradu- 
ated m 1796. He speaks very modestly of his attain- 
ments in College, and though the four years " were far 
from being trifled away or lost," he declares they w^re 
spent under very great and permanent disadvantages, 
and expresses the opinion that he " did not acquire half 
the solid learning" he might have done " had he been 
two years older and proportionally better prepared." 
During the five or six years following, it is believed that 
his scholarship was greatly improved in accuracy and 
amount, by teaching, and at the same time studying 
himself. During this period he taught an academy for 
about three years in Goshen, N. Y., and then another 
about two years in Berlin, though in the meanwhile he 
was visited once and again by disease in some of its 
forms. When about twenty -five, he commenced the 
study of medicine imder Dr. John Osborne, engaging 
also in the instruction of youth, and in the beginning of 
180T he entered upon his profession. From some time 
in 1808 into '10, he was in full practice in the town of 
Lynn, Mass., w^hence he removed to Lyme, in this State 
and thence to the city of Middle town, where and in the 
vicinity he had for a number of years, " as much pro- 
fessional business as he could attend to, and more than 
his health would bear." In Feb. 1819, " he was seized 
mth an affection of the lungs and heart, which suddenly 
ended in a great degree," his " professional career, and 
left him a confirmed valetudinarian at the premature age 
of forty-one," though for several years after he " prac- 
tised some in consultation, and amused " himself in read- 
ing two or three foreign languages, besides writing occa- 
sional medical and literary essays," which appeared in 
the columns of different publications. In fact, in 
various ways he did much for the .advancement of medi- 
cal science and the relief and benefit of his fellow men. 
In 1823, in connection with Dr. Tulley, he published 
essays on fevers and other medical subjects; and in 
1825, an account of Typhus Syncopalis [the sinking 
typhus.] This work Dr.- S. B. Woodward speaks of as 
one which caused a great deal of controversy ; one 
which was most severely criticised ; but one about which, 



202 OBITUARY OF DR. T. MINOR. 

although the public were divided as to its real worthy 
they were generally satisfied that it eyinced great erui- 
dition and research. " At any rate," he says, " it 
was one which gave the author great notoriety as a writ- 
er and great fame as a practitioner." Dr. Minor him- 
self declares it was published several times entire, or 
abridged in other works. "^ 

After the organization of the Medical School of Yale 
College, he was perhaps three-tenths of the time, one of 
the censors or members of the committee. He was a mem- 
ber of the committee for devising ways and means and 
forming the j)ian for the Retreat for the Insane, at Hart- 
ford, as a colleague with Doctors Todd, Woodward, Tul- 
le}^, Ives and others, and with the assistance of Dr. Tul- 
ley, wrote the committee's address to the public-, which 
preceded their solicitation of donations. 

He corresponded with many distinguished physicians 
in different parts of the country, and with some distin- 
guished men who did not pursue the medical profession. 
The late venerable Noah Webster, LL. D., was one of 
his correspondents. To that eminent lexicographer he 
wrote letters on criticism, etymology and other philo- 
sophical subjects. Dr. Webster did him the honor oc- 
casionally, to send him manuscripts, soliciting his re- 
marks previously to their publication. 

Having been afflicted twenty years and more, with a 
disease of the heart, early in March, 1841, he went to 
W^orcester to visit his friend Dr. S. B. Woodward, to 
see what could be done to alleviate his sufferings, and as 
he said himself, "if he could not be relieved, to die with 
his friend." With that friend he did die, on the morn- 
ing of April 23d, 1841, in the 64th year of his age. 

It is surprising that one so feeble from his early days, 
and suffering so much from disease, should have lived so 
long and accomplished so much. 

In communicating liis death to Dr. Smith, editor of 
the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, Dr. Wood- 
ward observes, '' Dr. Minor was a remarkable man. 
He has left behind him few as ripe scholars, profound 
philosophers and philanthropists in the medical profes- 
sion. Ill health having for some years prevented active 



OBITUARY OF DR. HENRY WOODWARD. 203 

engagement in professional duties, he has devoted his 
whole time to study and reflection. His mind was very 
active to the last. He was, perhaps, one of the most 
learned physicians in New England, not only in profes- 
sional attainments, but in foreign languages and theolo- 
gy. He was acquainted with the French, Italian, Span- 
ish and German languages, and was often employed by 
publishers in the country to translate them. He w^as 
particularly fond of the German, and read works on 
medicine, theology and philosophy in that language with 
great pleasure. You w^ell know his estimable and moral 
qualities. His heart w^as benevolent, his feelings kind. 
In his life he exemplified the christian character ; in 
sickness and death ho bore testimony of unbroken con- 
fidence in the christian hope of a joyful resurrection." 



Henry Woodward^ M. D. 

The second person referred to as being the subject of 
a memoir, in Williams' Medical Biography, is Dr. Hen- 
ry Woodward, and brother of Drs. S. 13. and Charles 
Woodward. The memoir is from the pen of the elder 
of these brothers, with whom after having studied awhile 
with the father he pursued the studies preparatory to his 
profession. With this brother too, while resident in 
Wethersfield he was associated about four years after 
admission to practice. From that town, he came to 
Middletown, where he spent his remaining life. 

From the memoir and from other evidence it is appa- 
rent that he possessed naturally a very vigorous mind, 
that he was exceedingly apt to learn, and that he exam- 
ined subjects philosophically ; also that he had a t:ind 
and social temper, polished manners, and was active and 
faithful in the discharge of his public duties. He pos- 
sessed that discretion in the use of these attributes and 
acquisitions which made him acceptable as well as use- 
ful. He had the requisites for being popular with the 
people, securing the esteem of his patients and the re- 
spect of his medical brethren. Accordingly he soon 
gained extensive practice, and for years " his business 

* 16 



204 OBITUARY OF DR. HENRY WOODWARDo. 

was equal to that of any otlier physician in the State, 
both for respectabilit}'- and extent. He received the hon- 
orary degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Connecticut 
Medical Society at an earher age than any other gentle- 
man in the State ; and no young man was more esteem- 
ed bv the faculty in an extensive circle of acquaintance.'^ 
He was twice chosen to represent the town of 
Middletown in the Legislature of the State, and was at 
the time a candid'ate for higher advancement. In the 
public stations he filled he always sustained himself with 
dignity and ability, and was considered one of the ablest 
members of the House of Representatives.'' 

Investigating thoroughly the causes of disease and 
applying remedies skillfully ; felicitous and happy in his 
intercourse with the sick, he gained their aftections. 
" He loved society and society loved him.'' 

'' His moral character was above reproach. He was 
a man of active benevolence, gave much in charity, and 
took hold of the great moral enterprises of the day with 
true zeal. He was a regular member of the Episcopal 
Church, of which he was for some time vestryman and 
warden." 

But " in the midst of his activity and usefulness he 
was cut down by a disease of the chest, which in a few 
months terminated his life by a rapid consumption. He 
died October 10th ^ 1832;, at the early age of 3.7 year?.'^ 



LAWYERS IN MIDDLETOWN. 



These are understood to have lived universally in the 
city. In the Address Titus Hosmer^ Samuel Holden 
Parsons, Samuel W, Dana, Asher Miller, and Stephen 
Titus Hosmer, are noticed somewhat particularly, and 
Silas Stow, and John G. C. Brainerd, in few words. 
The list about to be given contains the names of all the 
other lawyers, or nearly all, who have ever lived and 
practised in this place. 

Notwithstanding the numbers admitted to the bar, it 
is generally acknowledged that the amount of law busi- 
ness now, is less than it was thirty -five or forty years 
ago. The litigations arising from failures and change 
of property from the restrictive system and the second 
war with Great Britain, have years since been adjusted ; 
the fisheries on the river, formerly the source of much 
controversy, have nearly ceased ; human rights and the 
proper modes of doing business are better understood 
and more respected ; the temperance reformation, pre- 
venting wild speculation and wasteful expenditures, has 
prompted to productive industry and frugal economy — 
these and other causes have lent a peaceful influence. 
This may be a reason why some lawyers have given up 
their profession : another may be that they find business 
enough of other kinds to occupy them. 

List of Lawyers with a few Items, 

William Plumbe, a native of the Society of West- 
field, graduate of Yale College, 1769, practised law a 
short time, became a preacher and chaplain in the army 
in the Revolution, afterwards a merchant. He died 
June 2d, 1843, leaving a few thousand dollars worth of 
property for Foreign Missions, under the care of the 
American Board. The exact sum cannot be given, as 
the estate is not entirely settled. 



206 LAWYERS IN MIDDLETOWN. 

Ezekiel Woodruffs said to be a native of Farmington 
or Soutliington, graduate of Yale, 1779, practised here 
a few years. He was City Clerk from 1786 to 1789 in- 
clusive, resigned this office and probably soon after mov- 
ed away, to what place is not known. 

Matthew Talcott Russell. See close of this list. 

William Brown ^ native of Guilford, graduate of Yale 
1784, practised law some years here, was City Clerk 
after Mr. Woodruff, three years. He afterwards prac- 
tised in Madison a few years, and then in the city of 
Hartford, where he died in the close of 1803. He was 
a man of good abilities and much respected. 

Joshua Henshawy native of Middletown, and gradu- 
ate of Yale, 1785. He moved to Vermont, and thence, 
it is understood, to Montreal, in Canada. 

Enoch Huntington^ son of Rev. Enoch Huntington, 
graduate of Yale, 1785, had superior natural talents, 
was a Dean scholar, spoke with great fluency at the bar, 
and was Colonel of militia. He died March 7th, 1826, 
aged 58. 

Silas Stoiv, was a native of the Society of Middle- 
field. See p. 106. 

George W. Stanley^ born in Wallingford, graduated 
at Yale, 1793, practised law many years in his native 
town, came to Middletown in 1819, and was State's At- 
torney ; moved to Cleveland, Ohio, about 1837. 

Alexander Collins^ son of General Augustus Collins, 
of North Guilford, graduate of Yale, 1795, studied law 
in the office of the bite Judge Hosmer. He died while 
on a journey, Sept. 14th, 1815, aged 41, at Brattleboro, 
Ver., where his body is interred. The enterprising men, 
from whom Collins ville derives its name, are his sons. 

Elijah Hubbard, graduate of Yale, 1795, studied at 
the Law School in Litchfield, practised law some years 
in New London, returned to Middletown upon the death 
of his father, Elijah Hubbard, Esq., in 1808, was many 
years President of Middletown Bank, and repeatedly 
mayor of the city. He died Dec. 4th, 1846, aged 69. 

Chauncey Whittlesey, son of Chauncey Whittlesey, 
Esq., graduate of Yale, 1800, and a Dean scholar, read 
law with the Hon. Charles Clmuncey of New Haven^ 



LAWYERS IN MIDDLETOWN. 207 

and was admitted to the bar in November, 1804. See 
onward. 

John L. Lewis, native of Philadelphia, studied with 
Judge Hosmer, and was admitted to the bar in March, 
1805. In May, 1818, he was appointed Sheriff of Mid- 
dlesex County. He afterwards moved to Florida, where 
he died. 

William Van Deusen, graduate of Yale, 1801, studied 
law in Middletown and Litchfield, was admitted to the 
bar as early as 180Y, received a captain's commission 
from the General Government, and for a time had com- 
mand of the fort at New London. He died in Middle- 
town Sept. 26th, 1833, aged 49. 

Levi H. Clark, a native of Sunderland, Mass., and 
graduate of Yale, 1802, studied law with the Hon. 
Charles Chauncey of Ncav Haven, and with Asa Bacon, 
Esq., in Canterbury. He commenced practice in Had- 
damin the Spring of 1805. See onward. 

JYoah Ji. Phelps, native of Simsbury, studied law 
with Hon. Elisha Phelps, was admitted to the bar in 
Hartford in 1811, and practised in that city — was sheriff 
of Hartford county from 1819 to 1828. He came to 
Middletown in 1829, being appointed collector of cus- 
toms ; he has since been judge of the County Court, 
mayor of the city of Middletown, judge of Probate, 
State Senator, and Secretary of Connecticut, 

Jonathan Barnes,, son of Jonathan Barnes, Esq., of 
Tolland, (attorney in Tolland county,) graduate of Yale, 
1810, studied laAV with his father, and after he came to 
Middletown, for a time with Chauncey Whittlesey, Esq., 
began practice in Middletown, in 1813, and has ever 
since confined himself closely and unusually to the ap- 
propriate duties of his profession. 

Major Andre Andrews, native of Cornwall, studied 
.law, for a time at least, with his brother, Benajah An- 
drews, in Wallingford, began to practice in Middletown, 
as early as 1815— was appointed State's Attorney in 
Sept., 1818, moved to Buffalo in 1819, where he died 
during the second prevalence of the cholera in the place 
Aug, IT, 1834, aged 42, 

Minor Hotchkissj born in New Haven^ graduate ot 



208 LAWYERS IN MIDDLETOWN. 

Yale, 1813, studied law in Litchfield and New Haven, 
was admitted to the bar in New Haven in the close of 
1815, and came immediately to Middletown. See on- 
ward. 

Jihiel L. Loomis^ began to practice law in Middle 
Haddam, as early as 1816 ; in two or three years he 
moved to Killingworth, now Clinton, where he remained 
about ten years, he then came to Middletown, but after- 
wards removed to Hartford where he died. 

William L. Sto^Ts, graduated at Yale, 1814, read 
law with his brother, Henry R. Storrs, Esq., at Whites- 
town, N. Y., was admitted to the bar in New York, in 

1817, and in Connecticut soon after. He was Repre- 
sentative to the Legislature of Connecticut, in 1827 and 
'28, and to Congress from March, 1829 to 1823 — was 
speaker of the House of Representatives in Connecticut 
in 1834. He was elected member of Congress again for 
two years, from March 4, 1839, but in 1840, became a 
judge of the Superior Court. He has also been profess- 
or in the New Haven Law School. The Western Re- 
serve College has conferred upon him the degree of 
LL. D. 

Ebcnezer Force ^ studied law with the Hon. Sylvester 
Gilbert of Hebron, practised in Middle Haddam, in 
1819, '20, and '21, came to Middletown and practised a 
short time, enlisted into the army of the United States. 
Has been dead some years. 

John G. C, Braiiierd, native of New London, and 
graduate of Yale, 1815, son of Hon Jeremiah G. Brain- 
erd. See p. 108. 

Enoch Thomas Parsons^ graduate of Union College, 

1818, was admitted to the bar in 1822, practised a short 
time, lost his health, died April 15th, 1830, aged 30. 

Jisahel JJtley. See list of lawyers in Middle Haddam. 

Samuel Holden Parsons, graduate of Yale, 1819, ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1822, practised for a time in Mid- 
dletown, and then in Hartford ; is now travelling in 
Europe. 

Samuel Dickinson Hubbard, graduate of Yale, 1819, 
studied at the New^ Haven Law School, practised law 



LAWYERS IN MIDDLETOWN. 209 

some years, has been mayor of the city, and Member of 
Congress. 

John Hiram Lathrop^ graduate of Yale, 1819. Tu- 
tor, LL. D., practised law here a short time, has since 
been professor in Hamilton College, and in the Universi- 
ty of Missouri ; and is now president of the University 
of Wisconsin. 

Ezekiel L. Hosmer^ son of the late Judge Hosmer, 
was admitted to the bar in 1823, and died Nov. 14th, 
1826, aged 24. 

Charles Richard Jllsop^ graduate of Yale, 1821, 
studied law in the office of Jonathan Barnes, Esq., and 
was admitted to the bar in this State. He then attend- 
ed the lectures of the late Chancellor Kent in New York, 
studied in the office of Daniel Lord, Esq., an attorney 
in the city, and was admitted to the bar there. He re- 
mained in that city until 1832, when he returned to 
Middletown. Upon the resignation of Noah A. Phelps, 
Esq., he was elected mayor of the city of Middletown, 
April 25th, 1843, for the residue of the term. He was 
then re-elected for two years, after which he declined a 
re-election. While mayor he first started the movement 
for the New York and Boston Railroad, usually spoken 
of as the Air Line Railroad. He also obtained the 
charter for the Middletown Railroad (now the Branch to 
the Hartford and New Haven Railroad.) Of this road 
he was the President until it was merged with the Hart, 
ford. New Haven and Springfield Railroad Company. 
He was one of the original corporators of the New York 
and Boston Railroad Company, and in Nov., 1850, was 
elected the President of it. 

Isaac Wehh^ born in Chester, graduate of Yale, 1822, 
and tutor ; studied law in New Haven, began to prac- 
tice here in 1827 or '28 ; afterwards estabhshed a school 
for the instruction of lads ; died September 29th, 1842, 
aged 45. 

Stillman K. Wightnian^ graduate of Yale, 1825, 
studied law with Jonathan Barnes, Esq., and at the Law 
School in New Haven, and was admitted to the bar in 
1827 — was State's Attorney, Speaker of the house of 



£10 LAWYERS IN MIDDLETOWN. 

representatives, and State Senator. He moved to tlie 
city of New York about 1844, where he now practises. 

Ehenezer Jackson^ native of Savannah, Ga., educa- 
ted at the college of St. Mary's in Baltimore, studied law 
in Litchfield, was admitted to the bar in 1827 — has been 
a Member of Congress. 

Charles C. Tyler, native of /Jiiddam, studied law 
with Judge Storrs, w^as admitted to the bar in 1828, 
has been State's Attorney and Judge of the County 
Court. 

Thomas Griswold Mather, graduate of Yale, 1826, 
studied law with Judge Storrs, was admitted to the bar 
in 1829, has been town clerk. 

Samuel W. Grisivold, was born in the Society of 
Westfield, studied law with Abiel A. Loomis and Jona- 
than Barnes, was admitted to the bar in Oct. 1832, died 
Feb. 16th, 1844, aged nearly 36. 

Mfred Hall, native of Portland, graduate of Trinity 
College, 1828, studied law in Middletown, New i/aven, 
and Cambridge, began to practice in Middletown, about 
1833 or '34, but soon returned to Portland and is a mer- 
chant in that town — has been Representative to the 
General Assembly from that town for two or three years 
past. 

Elihu Spencer, native of Warren, Ohio, graduated at 
the Wesleyan University, 1838, studied with Judge 
Storrs, was admitted to the bar in Oct. 1841 — has been 
Town Clerk, Clerk of the County and Superior Courts, 
and Treasurer, and Representative to the General As- 
sembly of the State. 

Dennis Sage, graduate of Wesleyan University, 1839, 
studied law with Judge Storrs, admitted to the bar in 
1842 — practised a short time, then went into other busi- 
ness ; has been to California, but recently returned. 

Charles Whittlesey, born in Salisbury, graduate of 
Williams College, 1840, studied law in Litchfield coun- 
ty, Avhere he was admitted to the bar in 1844 — came the 
same year to Middletown, has been State's Attorney. 

J^orman L. Brainerd, born in Portland, studied law 
in Cambridge and N. Y. city, was in a law office and prac- 
tised in that city, has been a year or two in Middletown. 



Lawyers In mIddletowi^. 211 

A few words in addition, in regard to M. T. Russell, 
Chauncey Whittlesey, Levi H. Clark, and Minor Hotch- 
kiss. 

Matthew Talcott Russell, was named after Col. Mat- 
thew Talcott, who had married his aunt, and had no 
children of his own. He was educated at his expense 
at Yale College, where he was tutor four ycars^ He 
studied law with the Hon. Oliver Ellsworth, and com- 
menced practice in this city. Though of a slender con- 
stitution and delicate health, he was able through great 
care and prudence to attend continually to his profes- 
sional concerns. He was accurate and methodical in 
every thing, and therefore well fitted to transact the 
large amount of collecting business which was entrusted 
to his hands. For some time he was State's attorney. 
The community respected him for his integrity and faith- 
fulness and the church honored him for his consistent 
christian conduct. He died Nov. 13, 1828, aged near- 
ly 68 years. 

From the close of 1804 until 1819, Chauncey Whit- 
tlesey, Esq,, practised in this county and though able 
law^yers from Middlesex and adjoining counties, attended 
the courts, he acquired an elevated rank among his 
brethren. He was also advanced in military life to the 
command of a brigade. In the last mentioned year he 
removed to Louisville, Kentucky, where he practised 
about four years, and afterwards to New Orleans, where 
he practised about four years more. His health having 
been seriously injured while in the latter city, he return- 
ed to his native town in 182T, and attended in a degree 
to official business until the autumn of 1829, when his 
illness became distressing. His sight and other bodily 
powers were affected, so that for the residue of his life 
he was almost helpless, and often racked with severe 
pain. He died Dec. 24th, 1834, aged 51. 

Gen. Whittlesey's earthly disappointments and suffer- 
ings served to render the grace of God, in which ho 
trusted, the more conspicuous. Those who visited him 
in his afflictions were surprised in view of his weak and 
disordered body, and at the continued vigor of his mind ; 
were instructed by his conversation, and improved by his 
18 



212 LAWYERS IN MIDDLETOWN. 

resignation to God and his benevolence to men, and pros- 
pects of blessedness in the life to come/. 

An able writer in the Philadelphian for Jan. 8, 1835, 
declares concerning him : " When almost every earth- 
ly comfort was withdrawn, he was not cast down, for he 
looked to his inheritance among the saints in light. 
When blindness and darkness came over his bodily sense, 
the eye of his mind remained strong and miclouded, and 
the Hght of Heaven still penetrated to his soul and kept 
up a constant warmth in his heart. While he was in a 
condition which would have made some men forget all 
but self and suffering, his expansive benevolence, worthy 
of its celestial origin, constantly flowed out to his fel- 
low beings. His intellect was still firm and vigorous af- 
ter years of severe disease had taken from his body 
almost all power but that of endurance, and his feelings, 
instead of being souered by disappointment and calami- 
ty, grew more tender and affectionate while one faculty 
and enjoyment after another, in melancholy succession 
departed from him." " Thus through long years of 
trial he acted out the faith and patience of the saints." 
Levi H. Clarke^ removed from Haddam to Middle- 
town, in 1807 or 8. In both towns he had considerable 
practice. About 1816, he removed to Carthage, N. Y., 
invested property in that village and engaged in the 
building of the famous " Carthage Bridge," which was 
the wonder of western tourists. In the fall of that 
bridge he lost much property, and resorted afterwards 
mainly, to the use of his pen for support. In 1821, he 
was appointed an associate judge of the County Court, 
for the new county of Munroe, and that year he report- 
ed the proceedings of the Convention which formed a 
constitution for the Empire State. His reports were 
subsequently published in an octavo volume, styled, 
'' Clarke's Reports." From that time until 1835, he 
was generally connected in some way with papers and 
publications in New York city, as owner, partner, editor 
or correspondent, and from 1835 until June, 1839, was 
a justice of the 7th, 10th and 15th wards. He died at 
Feeding Hills in W^est Springfield, Feb. 6th, 1840, aged 



LAWYERS IN MIDDLETOWN, 213 

57. There is much evidence that before his death he 
became a sincere christian. 

Minor Hotc/ikiss, Esq., is remembered by many. 
Upon his appearance in this county he was marked as a 
young man of talents and promise. He soon became 
distinguished in his profession, and his prospects of busi- 
ness and usefuhiess in the world were as great as those 
of any man of his age in the State. With a mind well 
stored with knowledge were associated dispositions, man- 
ners and habits adapted to secure affection and confi- 
dence. In the two last years of his life he represented 
the town in the Legislature of the State, with credit to 
himself and satisfaction to his constituents. A long and 
distressing sickness " he bore with patience and resigna- 
tion, and gave the strongest evidence of personal piety." 
He died Oct. 21st, 1825, aged 34. 



MEANS OF COMMON AND 
HIGHER EDUCATION. 



Tlie Common Schools of Micldletown, First Society, 
and also of Middlefield and Westfield, have correspond- 
ed in character generally with the common schools in 
other societies throughout the State ; and these have 
furnished to the great body of children the rudiments of 
an English education, -which have been variously im- 
proved in after life. Different circumstances have 
conspired to render the terms in these schools longer in 
some districts than in others, and to the securing of 
teachers of higher qualifications. The schools of this 
description are generally considered as being on the ad- 
vance ; some unquestionably are. The number of com- 
mon schools in the First Society, and out of the city lim- 
its, are now ten, and the number of children, reported 
as being in the district where these schools are situated, 
and between the ages of four and sixteen, in 1851, was 
five hundred and two. The number of such children re- 
ported in 1851, as being in the city was nine hundred 
and nine^ Here provision was made for them, as in 
other parts of the Society, until 1840, when the citizens, 
desirous of placing all the children, before reaching six- 
teen, in circumstances in which they might attain a high- 
er education, than was expected at the common schools, 
obtained from the Legislature a special act, in virtue of 
wdiich all the children, entitled to the benefit of the great 
school fund of the State, might be instructed after reach- 
ing the age of nine years and so onward until sixteen, in 
a High School, while other children from four to nine^ 
might be instructed in four Primary Schools. Rooms 
for the High School were hired until a suitable edifice 
was prepared in the summer of 1841. This is sixty-six 
feet by forty-eight, two stories, in which there are rooms 
for study and recitation. There is a basement in which. 



COMMON AND HIGHER EDUCATION. 215 

a family resides, having care of the building, and a large 
arched attic for lectures, or any other purpose for which 
it is needed. 

The Institution is under the instruction and govern- 
ment of a male principal, having male and female assis- 
tants. The older children occupy the upper story and 
the younger the lower. 

The average number of children has been about two 
hundred and thirty. More girls have generally attend- 
ed than boys, about one hundred and twenty-five girls, 
and about one hundred and five or one hundred and ten 
boys. Of both, in some seasons, there have been two 
hundred and eighty. The attendance in the primary 
schools has been about the same. 

The benefits of the High School have been vast^ by 
bringing the higher English branches and the elementa- 
ry branches of Latin and Greek, within the means of all. 
Several scholars have been fitted for college. None are 
required to pay more than four dollars a year, and the 
tuition of the poor is abated. 

But invaluable as the Common Schools have been from 
the beginning to children generally, there have been all 
along some parents who Avished to secure for their chil- 
dren higher advantages than the common schools afford- 
ed, especially where they were designed for the learned 
professions, or the more important branches of business. 
For a long time, parents in such cases placed their chil- 
dren under the tuition of settled clergymen. The im- 
portant and long continued efforts of Rev. Enoch Hunt- 
ington, in the instruction of youth, were mentioned in 
the Address ; and yet in his time highly qualified teach- 
ers were employed in keeping school in Middletown. 
Chauncey Whittlesey, graduate of Yale College, 1764, 
when he came to this town was employed in the instruc- 
tion of youth. So was Jonathan Ingersoll, graduate of 
the same college in 1766, and while teaching youth he 
was a student of law under Hon. Titus Hosmer. Oth- 
ers of like qualifications, probably followed them. Be- 
fore the commencement of this century. Rev. William 
Woodbridge opened a school for young ladies, which was 
contuiued several years. At a subsequent time,. Mr. 

* 18 



216 COMMON AND HIGHER EDUCATION. 

Elijah Garfield from Lee, Mass., opened a school for the 
instruction of youth of both sexes ; though in the latter 
part of the time in which he instructed here, he tauglit 
lads only, who were seeking qualifications fordoing busi- 
ness or entrance into colleges. Isaac Webb, a graduate 
and tutor of Yale College, who settled in Middletown as 
a lawyer, instructed a school of lads a number of years 
before his death, in 1842. 

The Preparatory School of D. H. Chase, A. M., 
has been in successful operation sixteen years. Two 
courses of study are pursued, the first embracing " all 
that is necessary to prepare youth for any college or 
university — the second, besides common English, in- 
cludes book-keeping, algebra, geometry, surveying, as- 
tronomy, geology, philosophy of natural history, rhetor- 
ic, logic, mental, moral and political philosophy, . &c. 
Exercises in composition and declamation, alternate 
weekly, lectures and experiments are given on interest- 
ing and useful subjects. The School is supplied with 
Chemical and Philosophical apparatus, and a select Li- 
brary." 

" Moral and religious education receives an attention due 
to its extreme importance. Students attend the church- 
es designated by their parents. A portion of each Sab- 
bath is devoted to a bible lesson, and to sacred music." 

Some years a School for Young Ladies was kept in 
the city, by Miss Mary Jinn Bartlett, which was fol- 
lowed by another, kept also some years by M7\ Sidera 
Chase. 

The Middletown Female Seminary, under the 
instruction of Rev, Josiah Brcu (r and Lady, Avho have 
had much experience in instruction, has been in opera- 
tion two years, and attended by more than one hundred 
young ladies on an average. They have a competent 
supply of able assistants, native teachers of the modern 
languages, and skilful professors of music, drawing, &c. 

"■ There are two sessions of eleven and thirty-three 
weeks, beginning on the second Monday in May, and 
the first Monday in September, divided into quarters, 
each eleven weeks. The principal vacations are in the 



COMMON AND HIGHER EDUCATION. 217 

months of August and April, with a week from Christ- 
mas to New Years." 

" The pupils are mainly arranged into two depart- 
ments, viz: the Preparatory and the Principal. A full 
course in each requires two or three years, but may be 
modified to meet the wants of individuals. Those of 
mature age, or advanced in their studies, are admitted 
for a part of a year.'' 

*•' Among the studies of the Preparatory Classes are 
mental and practical arithemtic, geography, first lessons 
in grammar, elements of botany, physiology and natural 
philosophy, general history, and history of the United 
States ; manual of morals and youths book of natural 
theology." 

" In the Principal Department, are taught arithmetic, 
algebra and geometry, antient geography and mytholo- 
gy ; histories of Greece, Rome, France and England ; 
English grammar and rhetoric ; natural history, physi- 
ology, natural philosophy, chemistry, geology, botany, 
astronomy and meteorology ; science of government, 
mental and moral science ; geography of the bible, nat- 
ural theology and evidences of Christianity." 

Composition forms a prominent object of attention. 
Latin and Greek Languages are taught to all who wish 
for them. Instructions in Instrumental Music, Drawing, 
Pair.tir.g and Modern Languages, are furnished at the 
usual city prices. 

The health, manners, morals and religious welfare of 
pupils, especially of those who become members of the 
family of the Principals, are watched over with parental 
care. They attend public worship at such places as 
meet the wishes of their friends. 

The Wesleyan University, is spoken of in the 
Address, pp. 110,111. Since that was delivered, the 
institution has been afflicted by the death of another 
revered President, Rev. Stephen Olin, S.T. D., who died 
Aug. 16th, 1851, aged 55. Although a memoir of him 
is expected, it mxay be well to state that he was born iu 
Leicester, Ver. and graduated at Middlebury College, 
in 1820, where he held a very high standing as a scholar. 
Soon after leaving college he went to South Carolina and 



218 COMMON AND HIGHER EDUCATION. 

had the charge of an academy. While there he ex- 
perienced religion, connected himself with the South 
Carolina Methodist Episcopal Conference and became a 
circuit preacher. He was stationed sometime in Charles- 
ton, but was interrupted in his self-denying and arduous 
labors by ill health. He was afterwards professor of 
Moral Philosophy and Rhetoric, in the University of 
Georgia, and then President of Randolph and Macon 
College. This presidency he resigned, took a voyage to 
Europe, and thence passed into Egypt, Arabia Petraea 
and the Holy Land. An account of his travels in these 
countries, published in 1843, has had a wide circulation ; 
and it is altogether probable that he will long be remem- 
bered and respected as a writer ; for an edition of other 
works of his pen has just been issued. These compose 
two volumes. The first containing sermons and sketch- 
es ; the second, Lectures on Education, Baccalaureate 
Discourses, and various occasional Addresses and Es- 
says." 

As a drawing of the University building and chapel 
accompanies this work, it is not necessary to say much 
about them and other buildings belonging to the Corpor- 
ation. The university building is of the Portland stone, 
150 feet by 50, four stories, containing sixty -four rooms. 
The Chapel of the same material, 54 feet by 44, is also 
four stories, and has projection in front, in which beside 
the room appropriated to devotion, there are rooms for 
the Library, Philosophical Apparatus, the Cabinet of 
Minerals, and for recitations. Connected with these 
there is a Laboratory with a lecture room, and a large 
three-story brick building, designed at first for a public 
boarding house ; in which now there is one room, called 
the Missionary Lyceum, in which various and interesting 
articles received from Missionary stations in diiferent 
parts of the vforld^ are already collected ; where meet- 
ings are held to hear information concerning Missionary 
operations and prospects, and to pray for the conversion 
of the world. In this also, arc rooms for the students. 

The grounds on which these buildings stand are 160 
feet above the level of the Connecticut river and five- 
eights of a mile distant from it.. 



Graduates of Colleges, natives or inliabitants of Mid- 
dletown, not particularly mentioned in the Address, 
among the settled Clergymen, nor in the lists of Phy- 
sicians and Lawyers ; with a notice of a very few others 
who without going through a collegiate course have en- 
tered the sacred office, 

GRADUATES FROM MIDDLETOWN, 
FIRST SOCIETY. 



Harvard College, 

J\^athaniel Collins, 1697. He was son of the first 
settled pastor in Middletown, and became himself the 
first pastor of the church in Enfield, where he labored 
more than twenty years. He then resigned his ministry 
in that place, but preached in other places ; he died in 
Enfield in 1757, aged 79. 



>< ^ > r 



Yde College, 

Seth Wetmorey 1714, Was the first Congregation- 
al minister in North Haven, embraced episcopacy about 
1722, went to England for orders, in 1723, was rector of 
the Episcopal Church in Rye, N. Y., where he died 
May 14th, 1760, He published a defence of Water- 
land's discourse on Regeneration and two or three other 
controversial pieces. 

Joseph Clark, 1745. Was town clerk, justice of tlio 
peace, and deacon in the First Congregational Church. 

Jeremiah Learning, S. T, D.,1745. He became an 
Episcopal minister, preached eight years in Newport, R. 
I., twenty-one in Norwalk, and eight or nine at Strat- 
ford. He died in New Haven, in Sept., 1804, aged 86. 
Besides two controversial pieces, he published Evidences 
of the Truth of Christianity, and dissertations on 



220 GRADUATES FROM MIDDLETOWN. 

various subjects. His writings indicate a strong and 
well informed mind. 

Israkiah Wetinore, 1748. Was pastor of the First 
Church in Stratford, preached the election sermon before 
the Legislature in Connecticut in 1773, died in 1798. 

Jahez Hamlin^ 17G9. Son of Col. J. Hamlin, went 
to Boston, as ensign in the company commanded by Re- 
turn J. Meigs, in 1775, afterwards received a captain's 
commission, and died of sickness, wdiile in the service of 
his country, at East Chester, N. Y., Sept. 20th, 1776, 
aged 24. 

Robert Hubbard^ 1769. Entered the ministry, settled 
in Shelburne, Mass., became consumptive, was brought 
to Middletown, after his sickness commenced, where he 
died Nov. 2d, 1788, in the 45th year of his age. His 
body rests w^ith those of his friends, in Tomb-lane Yard. 

George Phillips^ 1769. Was a merchant in the city, 
and the first collector of customs for the District of Mid- 
dlctoAvn. He died in New Orleans, in 1802. 

Elisha Atkins^ 1773. Chaplain in the Revolutiona- 
ry army, and pastor of the Congregational Church in 
Killingly, where he died in 1839. 

Alexander Wolcott, 1778. Practised law in Hartford 
County, possessed a strong mind and superior legal at- 
tainments. He was collector of customs in the district 
of Middletown, from Aug., 1801, until his death June 
26th, 1828, when he was in the 70th year of his age. 

Wait Cornicell, 1782. Preached occasionally, but 
never had the charge of a parish — moved late in life to 
some part of the State of Ohio, wdiere he died in March, 
1816. 

Samuel Mather ^ 1792. Native of Lyme, merchant 
in Albany, N. Y., has resided in Middletown many 
years. 

Joseph Washburn, 1793. While fitting for college 
and while studying theology, he was under the instruc- 
tion of Rev. Enoch Huntington. By talents, education 
and grace, he was well prepared for the sacred ministry. 
He was pastor of the First Congregational Church in 
Farmington, between ten and eleven years and discharg- 
ed the duties of his office to the great acceptance and 



GRADUATES FROM MIDDLETOWN. 221 

benefit of his people. Being in declining health he com- 
menced a journey to the south, near the close of 1805, 
and undertook to pass from Norfolk to Charleston by 
by "svater, but died at sea Dec. 25th. 

A question has been raised whether he was born in 
Middletown as here represented, or in what is now the 
town of Portland. In a funeral sermon preached in 
Farmington by Rev. Asahel Hooker, he is said to have 
been born at Middletown, May 13th, 1766. But at that 
time Portland was one of the parishes of Middletown. 
His parents lived in Portland a number of years, and 
some persons who knew the family well, have a strong 
impression that they lived there at the time of his birth. 

Samuel Gi'ay Huntington^ 1800. Was a Dean scho- 
lar, studied law probably with his brother Enoch Hunt- 
ington, was admitted to the bar and practised three years 
in East Haddam, then moved to Waterford, and thence 
to Troy. Has been judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas for Rensselaer County. 

Alexander Wolcott, 1809. Was born in Windsor, be- 
fore his father, just named, moved from that town. He 
studied medicine with Dr. Nathan Smith, at Hanover, 
N. H. In the second war with Great Britain he was an 
assistant surgeon, and stationed at Fort Moultrie, S. 
C, and afterwards on Governor's Island, N. Y. He es- 
tablished himself as a physician, in Vincennes, In. ; but 
in 1819, was appointed Indian Agent at Detroit, and 
after spending a year or more there, was transfered to 
Chicago, where he held his post until his death, Oct. 23, 
1830, aged 40. 

Richard Hubbard, 1813. Son of Nehemiah Hubbard, 
Esq., was elected mayor of the city of Middletown in 
1838 and died in office, Sept. 1st, 1839, aged 47. 

Henry Dana Artemas Ward, 1819. Settled as a 
planter in South Carolina ; lived in Columbia, (near 
which his plantation lay,) where he died April 3d, 1827, 
in his 27th year. 

Seth Birdsey Paddock, 1820. Studied theology in 
the Episcopal Theological Seminary, about the time of 
its temporary establishment at New Haven, preached for 
a time in St. John's Church in Essex ; was afterward 



222 GRADtrATES FROM MiDDLETOWN. 

colleague with Rev. John Tyler, in Christ Churcli in 
Norwich city, and after his death, rector, laboring there, 
in both capacities, more than twenty years. He was 
then preceptor of the Episcopal Academy in Cheshire, 
about six years and a half, where he died June 24th, 
1851. His body was brought to his native place for in- 
terment. 

Enoch Huntingtoji^ 1821. Studied theology in Nor- 
walk in 1822 and '23, and preached in Pennsylvania and 
Connecticut from 1823 to 1826, was rector of the Epis- 
copal Church in New Milford, from 1827 to 1846, and is 
now living in Bridgeport. 

Phineas Bacon Wilcox^ 1821, studied law in Colum- 
bus, Ohio, in 1822 and 23, where he has practised law 
since that time. 

Timothy Rogers^ 1823. Was afflicted with feeble 
health, did not study a profession ; died in 1829. 

William Edward Hurlbut, 1824. Was clerk in Mid- 
dletown Bank ; died Sept. 19th, 1845 aged 42. 

Jabez Brooks Hubbardy 1825. Was merchant in 
NcAv York ; is now occupied in a counting room. 

Simeon JYorth, 1825. Tutor, LL. D. S. T. D., stud- 
ied theology in New Haven, professor in Hamilton Col- 
lege, N. Y., now president of that institution. 

Charles Bezaleel Fisk, 1826. Son of John Fisk, Esq., 
an engineer, much employed and greatly esteemed, in 
his profession, living in the city of Washington. 

Samuel Gayloi^d, 1826, A young man of much 
promise, died on the 14th of November following his 
graduation. 

Samuel Lee, 1827. Studied theology in New Haven, 
is stated supply at Mantua, Ohio. 

Thomas Robinson Hubbard, 1829. Studied law at 
Dayton, Ohio, and settled as a lawyer, firm of Ballistier 
& Hubbard, Chicago, III. ; is now corresponding clerk 
in the Bank of Commerce, N. Y. city. 

Phineas Timothy Miller, 1833, M. D. Kept an 
apothecary store in New Haven, where he died in 1850. 

William Huntington Russell, 1833, M. D., Tutor. He 
and Mr. Stiles French, are the principals of a very im- 
portant school in New Haven, styled the " Collegiate 



GRADUATES FROM MIDDLETOWN. 223 

and Commercial Institute," in wliicli the design is "to 
secure to boys, at as early an age as possible a thorough 
English education, and upon this as a basis, to give a 
critically accurate preparation for any year in College, 
or for commercial business." 

James Burnet Crane^ 1838. Studied law with John- 
son & Kent in New York city, Avhere he practised some 
time. He has given up the profession of law, and is now 
studying theology at Princeton. 

Charles Chauncey Wfiittlesey^ 1838. Studied law 
w^ith Jonathan Barnes, Esq., went to St. Louis, Missouri^ 
in 1840, where he is now practising law. 

John Smith Kelley^ 1840. Was a teacher, and for a 
time preceptor of Brainerd Academy in Haddam. Died 
while a student of Union Theological Seminary, in the 
city of New York, Dec. 29th 1844, aged 24. 

Hewy Dana Artemas Ward, 1842. Son of H. D. A. 
Ward, before mentioned, studied law with Jonathan 
Barnes, Esq., and at the Law School in Cambridge, 
Mass., and also in Detroit, where he is now settled as a 
lawyer. 

George Walter Crane, 1850. Died one week after 
graduation, Aug 22d, 1850, aged 22. 



**^^m^* 



Middlehury College, Ver* 

John P. H. Henshaw, 1808. Studied theology, was 
rector of an Episcopal Church in the city of Baltimore. 
Is now Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Rhode Is- 
land. Died in Maryland, while officiating for Bishop 
Whittingham, July 20th, 1852. 



Wesleyan Unwersity, 

Samuel Livingston Mather, 1835. Was a merchant 
for a time in New York ; has since studied law, and m 
now practising in Cleveland, Ohio. 

19 



224 GRADUATES FROM MIDDLETOWN. 

Theodore Hinsdale^ 1836. Studied law and is prac- 
tising in the city of New York. 

Loudon B. Ward^ 1842. Tauglit school in Virginia 
several years ; now resides in Middletown. 

Ehenezer Tracy Whittlesey^ 1843. Studied law for a 
time, but has relinquished the study and is now pursu- 
ing mercantile business in San Francisco, California. 

Ahram J. Wright^ 1843. Is a merchant in New 
York city. 

Jonathan Kelsey Burr, 1845. Studied theology at 
the Union Theological Seminary in New York ; is now a 
member of the New Jersey Methodist Episcopal Confer- 
ence, and preaches in that State. 

Silas W. Robbins, 1847. Studied theology at Yale 
College, is a Congregational minister and now preaches 
in Meriden. 

Perry Child Smithy 1847. Studied law in the city of 
New York, where h^ was admitted to the bar in 1851. 
He is now in Albany. 

Jonathan E. Barnes ^ 1848. Is studying theology at 
Yale Colleo;e. 

Joseph Jl. Bailey J 1849. Studied theology at the 
Baptist Theological Seminary in Newton, and is now 
pastor of the Baptist Church in Essex. 

Theophilus Bradbury Chandler^ 1850. Is a preacher, 
labored a while in Plymouth, is now stationed at Haddam. 

Ira E. Chase, 1850. Present residence and employ- 
ment not ascertained. 



« ■♦ '> ft » ^ > 



Graduate from Middlefield, not mentioned in the Ad- 
dress, &c. 

Brown University, 

Curtis Coe, 1776. Studied theology, was settled over 
the Congregational Church in Durham, N. H., Nov. 1st, 
1780, and dismissed May 1st, 1805. He died at New- 
market, June 7th 1829, aged 79. 



GRADUATES FROM MIDDLETOWN. 225 

Oliver Wetmore, born in Middletown and for a time a 
merchant in the city, moved to Western New York, 
when that part of the State was very new, and entered 
the ministry. He died at Utica, Jan. 1st, 1852, aged 
TT". An obituary notice of him declares him to have 
been an eminent Presbyterian clergyman ; a descendant 
of Rev. Timothy Edwards, father of President Ed- 
wards, and in a direct line from Elder William Brewster 
of the Mayflower. 

All the graduates from Westfield Society are noticed 
elsewhere. 



NEWSPAPERS IN MIDDLETOWN. 



In 1Y85, tlic same year in which Middlesex county- 
was formed a printing office was established in the city 
by William Woodward & Green. This publish- 
ed the Middlesex Ga*zctte. Sometime after, Mr. Gxeen 
withdrew from the concern, and Mr. Woodward continu- 
ed it until about 1T97, when he sold it to Tertius Dun- 
ning, who published it until his decease in^ Oct. 1823. 
His son Charles Dunning continued it until it was sold 
by the administrator of his father's estate, to Epaphras 
& Horace Clark, in 1824. They sold it to Theodore 
N. Parmelee and Edwin T. Greenfield, in Jiiiy, 1828. 
About a year after this, Mr. Parmelee sold his interest 
in it to Mr. Greenfield, who continued it until the year 
1830, when Mr. Parmelee took it again and published it 
two years. It w^as then sold to Edwin Hunt, and the 
late Samuel W. Griswold^ Esq., was its editor. Mr. 
Hunt continued it but a short time and then it passed 
into the hands of Joseph Longking, jr. The publication 
of this paper, having been in the hands of so many 
partners and individuals, pubhshers or editors, sometimes 
circulating more and sometimes less within Middlesex 
county and beyond it, ceased in 1834. 

Soon after the cessation of this paper, George F. 
Olmsted commenced a paper, called the New England 
Advocate, using the same apparatus with wdiich the Ga- 
zette had been published. The Advocate ceased in 1836, 
but the presses are now owned by Charles H. Pelton, 
and are used by him in book and job printing. 

In Jan., 1814, Loomis & Richards started a paper in 
Middletown, styled the '' Connecticut Spectator." In 
Feb. or March,''l815, Loomis disposed of his interest in 
the paper to Richards, who continued it a year or two 
longer. 

The American Sentinel was established in the city, and 
the first number of the paper issued Jan.. 1^ 1823> by 



NEWSPAPERS IN MIDDLETOWN. 227 

William D. Starr and William H. Niles, under the firm 
of Starr & Niles. Mr. Niles retired from the concern 
in 1827, and Mr. Starr became the sole proprietor. 
Mr. H. W. Green established the " Witness," in Jan., 
1832, and after publishing thirty-two numbers, discon- 
tinued it as a separate paper and it was united with the 
Sentinel on the 14th of August, in the same year ; the 
title being changed to that of Sentinel and Witness ; 
Mr. Starr continuing the sole proprietor until March 
25th, 1851, when he took his son, William J. Starr and 
William H. Dunham, into company with him, the latter 
however leaving in October following. The Sentinel & 
Witness is now published by the original fomider, W. 
D. Starr, and his oldest son, W. J. Starr, under the 
firm of W. D. Starr & Co. 

The Constitution, a w^eekly newspaper, was commenc- 
ed by Abner Newton, jr., on the first Wednesday of 
Jan. 1838, and is still continued by him. Mr. Newton 
issued a daily newspaper from the Constitution office, 
July 1st, 1847, the first paper of the kind published in 
the city, but he continued it no longer than until the 
10th of July following. 

The Daily News. This was the first serious attempt 
at the establishment of a Daily paper in Middletown, 
and was commenced by J. N. Phelps & Co., in Oct., 
1850. In March, 1851, it passed into the hands of W. 
B. Casey & Co., who continued its publication until 
Oct., 1851, when its circulation being limited, and the 
Editor's time taken up with his other professional duties, 
it was discontinued. 

The News and Advertiser, a weekly paper published 
at the same office, was started, Jan., 1851, and continu- 
ed as a Neutral or independent paper, until July, 1852. 
when it was enrolled in the Whig ranks and advocated 
the election of Gen'l Scott to the Presidency. 



*19 



LISTS OF OFFICERS OF THE TOWN AND 
CITY OF MIDDLETOWN— JUDGES OF MID- 
DLETOWN PROBATE DISTRICT POST- 
MASTERS—COLLECTORS OF CUSTOMS. 



Toion Clerks^ 

These Officers in Middletown were first called Re- 
corders, afterwards Registers, or Town Clerks. 

The following table contains the names of such as 
have held the office in succession, together with the year 
of their first appointment. 

Robert Webster, appointed in 1653. 

William Smith, 

John Hall, 

Nathaniel White, 

John Hamlin, 

Joseph Rockwell, 

Jabez Hamlin, 

W'illiam Rockwell, 

Joseph Clark, 

Bezaliel Fisk, 

John Fisk, 

Thomas G. Mather 

Elihu Spencer,. 

E. W. N. Starr, 







1656. 






1665. 






1695. 






1696. 






1708. 






1734. 






1735. 






1765. 






1777. 






1797. 






1847. 






1849. 






1851. 



Justices of tJie Peace in Middletoum, 

Justices of the Peace in Middletown, appointed be- 
fore the adoption of the present constitution of the State. 
Lists of later justices have not been collected. Those to 
whom U. H. are attached, lived in the Upper Houses, 



JUSTICES IN MIDDLETOWN. 



229 



now CromAvell; those to wliom M. is attached lived in 
Middlefield, those to whom W., in Westfield. 



JVamcs. 

Robert Webster, U. H., 

Hon. Giles Hamlin, 

Nathaniel White, U. H., 

Thomas Ward, 

Hon. John Hamlin, 

Israhiah Wetmore, 

Giles Hall, 

Joseph Southma^^d, 

Seth Wetmore, 

George Phillips. 

Joseph Clark, 

Hon. Titus Hosmer, 

Thomas Johnson, U. H., 

Hon. Jabez Hamlin, 

Col. Matthew Talcott, 

Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons, 

Doct. John Dickinson, 

Nathaniel Chauncey, U.H., 

Philip Mortimer^ 

Elijah Tread way, 

Isaac Miller, M., 

Gen. Comfort Sage, 

Hon. Asher Miller, 

Benjamin Williams, 

Nathaniel Gilbert, W., 

Chauncey Whittlesey, 

Hon. Samuel W. Dana, 

Hon. S. Titus Hosmer, 

Matthew T. Russell, 

Elijah Hubbard, 

Nehemiali Hubbard, 

Ebenczer Sage, 

Isaac Gridley, U. H., 

Amos Sage, 

Amos Churchell, W., 

Col. Lemuel Storrs, 

Ebenezer Roberts, 2d, W., 

Capt. John Pratt, 

William Plumbe, 

Elijah Hubbard, 2d, 

Alexander Collins, 

Richard Alsop, 

Samuel Eells, U. H., 

Eli Coe, M., 

Samuel Wetmore, 



Died or moved from toicn. 

Moved to Hartford 1G59. 
Sept. 1, 1689. 
Aug. 27, 1711, 

Jan. 2, 1733, 

Feb. 11, 1750, 

June 8, 1772, 

April 12, 1778, 

Feb. 1778, 

April 21, 1778, 

April 4, 1780, 

Dec. 26, 1774. 

April 25, 1791, 

Aug. 29, 1802, 

Moved to Marietta, Ohio, 

Oct. 3, 1811, 

Sept. 3. 1798, 

March 15, 1794, 

June 10, 1792, 

July 20, 1817, 

March 14, 1799, 

Dec. 24, 1821, 

June 15, 1812, 

Moved from town. 

March 14, 1812, 

July 21, 1830, 

Aug. .6, 1834, 

Nov. 13, 1828, 

May 30, 1808, 

Feb. 6. 1836,. 

Dec. 19, 1834, 

Nov. 15, 1836, 

Feb. 15, 1820. 

Moved from town. 

Nov. 29, 1816, 

Aug. 29, 1840, 

Dec. 27, 1824, 

June 2, 1843, 

Dec. 4, 1846, 

Sept. 14, 1815, 

Aug. 20, 1815, 

Moved from town. 

March 27, 1835, 

Moved from towa. 



Ages. 
67. 



69. 
75. 

78. 
67. 
58. 
43. 
56. 
82. 
89. 

82. 

77. 

84. 

75. 

80. 

67. 

68 

45. 

65. 
70. 
71. 

68. 
63. 
85. 
81. 
82. 
73. 

63. 
82. 
71. 
94. 
69. 
41. 
55. 



230 



JUSTICES IN MIDDLETOWN. 



Jozeb Stockino;, U. H., 

Josiah Sage, U. H., 

Gen. Chauncey Whittlesey, 

Levi H. Clark, 

Samuel Gill, 

Daniel J. GriswoM, W.,^ 

Alexander VVolcott, 

Elisha Coe, M., 

Seth Paddock, 

Arthur W. Magill, 

Major A. Andrews, 



June 29, 1841, 
Sept. 15, 18S9, 
Dec. 24, 1834, 
Moved from town. 
Oct. 4, 1826, 
July 10, 1847, 
June 26, 1828, 
Dec. 1, 1831, 
May 13, 1839, 
Moved from town. 
Moved from town. 



ST. 
67. 
51. 

46. 
65. 
69. 
68. 
83. 



OFFICERS OF THE CITY OF MIDDLETOWN. 

Mayors. 



Hon. Jabez Hamlin, 
" Asher Miller, 
" Samuel W. Dana, 
Elijah Hubbard, Esq., 
Kichard Hubbard, Esq. 
Hon. S. D. Hubbard, 
'• Noali A. Phelps, 
Charles R. Alsop, Esq. 
Horace Clark, Esq.,^ 
Dr. Williara B, Casey, 
Benjamin Douglas, Esq. 



from July 13, 1784, till his death April 25, 1791.* 
" 1792, till his death Dec. 24, 1821.. 

1822, till 1830. 

1830, till 1838-. 

, « 1838, till his death, 1889. 

1840, till 1842. 

1842, till he resigned in Ap'l 1843. 
, " April 25, 1843, till 1846. 

1846, till 1850. 

" 1850, till he resigned in Nov.. 1850. 

, " Nov. 22, 1850, till 



City Clerks. 

Bczaleel Fisk, from July 13, 1784, till ' released from ofBcc,' Jan. 

Benj. Henshaw, " Jan. 1785, till 

Ezekiel Woodruff, " 1786, till 

William Brown, " 1790, till 

John Fisk, " 1793, till 

Henry Wolcott, " 1818, till 

John Fisk, " 1819, till his death February 22, 

E. B. Tompkins, " Feb. 22, 1847, 



1785. 
1786. 
1790. 
1793. 

i8ia 

1819. 
1847. 



* At the first city meeting, July 13, 1784, Jabez Hamlin was elected 
Mayor, and he continued in office without the formality of a re-election, 
till 1788, when he tendered his resignation. He was however persuaded 
to retain the dignity of the office, and appears to have done so until his 
death, while the duties were performed by Asher Miller, the senior alder- 
man. After Mr. Miller's election, Elijah Hubbard, father of the mayor 
above mentioned, then senior alderman, presided a part of the time in the 
meetings of the city authorities. This was doubtless the fact while Mr. 
M. was absent surveying lands about Yazoo river. 



OFFICERS aF THE CITY OF MIDDLETOWN 231 

Treasurers. 

Nokemiab Hubbard, from 1795 to 1800 inclusive. 
Mattbew T. Russell, " 1801 to 1816. 
Jobu Fisk, " 1817 till bis deatb. 

Elihu B. Tompkins, " 1847. 

It will be perceived that in 1817, and again in 1819, 
and thence for^Yard the offices of clerk and treasurer 
were united in Mr. Fisk, and that they have been thus, 
united since in Mr. Tompkins. 



OFFICERS OF BANKS. 

MiDDLETOWN Bank, was incorporated in Oct., 1T95, 
but for some reason did not go into operation until the 
Spring of 1801. Perhaps the reason lay in the embar- 
rassments which befel the trade of the place about the 
close of the last centuiy. This has now (March 1852,) 
a capital of $369,300. 

Presidents of this Bank, 

Elijab Hubbard, from May 13, 1801 till bis deatb May SO, 1808. 
Nebemiah Hubbard, jr., from Oct. 24, 1808, till Jan. 3, 1822, wben ho 

declined a re-election. 
Elijab Hubbard, (son of tbe first Tresident) from Jan. 3, 1822, till bis 

deatb Dec. 4, 1846. 
Jobn H. Watkinson, from Feb. 12, 1847. 

Cashiers.. 

Timotby Soutbmayd, from May 13, 1801, till bis death, Dec. 13, 1821. 
Thomas Hubbard. " Jan. 3, 1822, till his death, Aug. 27, 1828. 

Henry Carriugton, " Sept. 2, 1828, till his resignation. May, 1836. 

Dyer Ames, jr., " June 13, 1836, till bis resignation, Oct., 1844. 

Jobn H. Watkinson, " Oct. 12, 1844, till his resignation, Feb. 1847. 
Frederick L. Gleason, " Feb. 12, 1847. 



Middlesex County Bank, incorporated May, 1830, 
has now a capital of $327,300. 

Presidents. 

Henry L. De Koven, from Sept. 1, 1830, till he resigned April 11, 1832. 
Joseph W. Alsop, " May 3, 1831, " April 19, 1832. 



ZOZ OFFICERS OF BANKS. 

Henry L. DoKoven, " April 19, 1832, " Dec. 19,1835. 

Samuel Russell, " Dec. 19, 1835, " July 3, 1839. 

William C. Bowers, " July 3, 1839, " July 7, 1841. 

Samuel Russell, " July 7, 1841, " July 1, 1846. 

Charles R. Sebor, " July 6, 1846. 

Cashiers, 

Samuel Cooper, from Sept. 10, 1830, till his resignation, Nov, 2, 1830. 
Charles Foote, " Noy. 2, 1830, till his resignation, Sept. 13, 1831 

Eleazer Lacey, " Oct. 8,1831, « " Jan. 4,1847.- 

William S. Camp, " Jan. 4, 1847.* 



MiDDLETowN SAVINGS Bank, was incorporated in 
May, 1825, and organized in June following. 

Presidents, 

Nehemiali Hubbard, from June, 1825, till his death in 1837. 
Richard Rand, " 1837, till his death in 1844. 

Joseph Taylor, " 1844. 

Secretaries and Treasurers. 
Ebenezer G. Southmayd, from June 1825, till 1832. 
Samuel Southmayd, " 1832, till 1837. 

Henry S. Ward, " 1837, till 1843. 

Henry Carrington, " 1843. 



The Central Bank, incorporated in May 1851, lias 
a capital of $150,000, and began operations in Novem- 
ber of the same year. 

President^ Charles Woodward. 
Cashier, Henry D. Smith. 

" . .1 — ■ ■ ■ . — »■ 

* The Branch Bank of the United States, kept in the same building 
now occupied by the M. C. Bank, began its operations in Sept., 1817, 
and was moved to Hartford in 1824 or '25. Samuel W. Dana, was presi- 
dent of this bank, from 1817 until about 1819, when Enoch Parsons was 
appointed president, and held the office till its operations were closed 
about 1835. Arthur W. Magill, was cashier from 1817, till about 1822, 
when Joshua P. Burnham was appointed, and held the office till the bank, 
was closed. 



MIDDLESEX MUTUAL ASSURANCE COMPANY. 233 

Middlesex Mutual Assurance Company, Mid- 
dletown, Conn. Charter granted, May 1836, com- 
menced business, Jmie 1836. 

Presidents^ 

Richard Hubbard, June 1836. 
Samuel Cooper, Sept. 1839. 

Secretaries and Treasurers, 

John L. Smith, June, 1836. 
William Woodward, June, 1838,1 
Stephen Taylor, June, 1849. 



MIDDLETOWN PROBATE DISTRICT. 

This District Avas formed in 1Y52, and included Chat- 
ham, with the exception of that part lying south of Sal- 
mon river, the part of Berlin which at first belonged to 
Middletown, Haddam and Durham. The parts of this 
District east of the Connecticut were detached from it in 
1824, upon the formation of Chatham District ; and at 
the same time the part of Berlin, just named, was de- 
tached from it, upon the formation of Berlin District. 
Haddam, west of the Connecticut, was detached from it 
in 1830, and made a separate district, in connection with 
Haddam Neck. Middletown District now embraces 
the present towns of Middletown,Durham and Cromwell. 

Successive Judges, 
Hon. Jahez Hamlin, of Middletown, appointed May, 1752. 



Hon. Asher Miller, 


(( 


u 


u 


1789. 


Dr. John Dickinson, 


(C 


(( 


(C 


1793. 


Hon. Asher Miller, 


(( 


u 


C( 


1807. 


John Alsop, 


(( 


(( 


« 


1822. 


Stillman K. Wightman- 


(( 


(( 


( 


1832. 


Augustus Cook, 


u 


(( 


c 


1834. 


Stillman K. Wightman, 


(( 


l( 


C( 


1835. 


Samuel Cooper, 


i( 


u 


tl 


1838. 


Linus Coe, 


(( 


tl 


i; 


1842. 


Samuel Cooper, 


(( 


(1 


(( 


1844, 



234 



MTDDLETOWN PROBAtE DISTRICf. 



Linus Coe, 
Samuel Cooper, 
Elihu Spencer, 
Noah A. Phelps,^ 



of Middletown, appointed May, 1846. 

" " " 1847. 

u u « 1849, 

" " " 1850. 



MIDDLETOWN POST-OFFICE ESTABLISHED 



Win slow Hobby, 
Thaddeus Nichols, 
Joshua Stow, 
Samuel Williams, 
Joshua Stow, 
E. W. N. Starr, 
Eli Wilcox, 
Allen May, 



IN 1Y75. 

Post Masters. 
from 1775 

" Oct. 1807 
" April, 1815 
" April, 1818 
" Nov. 1821 
" Feb.20,1840 
" Oct. 1, 1842 
" May 27,1845 



to Oct. 
to April 
to April, 
to Nov. 11, 
to Feb. 20, 
to Oct. 1, 
to May 21, 
to June 14, 



1807. 
1815. 
1818. 
1821. 
1840. 
1842. 
1845. 
1849. 



William Woodward, " June 14,1849. 



COLLECTORS OF CUSTOMS. 

The Collection District of Middletown, was establish- 
ed in 1795, previously to which time the towns on Con- 
necticut river Avere included in the New London District. 

George Phillips, of Middletown, appointed, June, 1795. 
Chauncey Whittlesey, " •' Dec, 1797. 

* All these Judges are now living with the exception of Col. Hamlin, 
Judge Miller, Dr. Dickinson, and Linus Coe, Esq. Mr. Coe was instant- 
ly killed, Feb. 27, 1852, as he was crossing the Railroad, between New- 
ington and Berlin, in a wagon, " the locomotive striking the horse and 
the w.agon, throwing him and the wagon on one side and the horse on 
the other." 

This awful event would have produced strong sensation in any case. 
But Mr. Coe had a large circle of kindred and friends who greatly esteem- 
ed him, had been a prominent inhabitant of Middletown, sheriff of Mid- 
dlesex County several years, judge of Probate for the District of Middle- 
town, and at the time of his death was secretary of the Middlesex Coun- 
ty Agricultural Society, an oflSce which he had held sometime, and to the 
duties of which ho had paid much attention. He was son of the late Col. 
Elisha Coe of Middlefield, and 60 years of age. 



SKETCH OF UPPER MlDDLETOWN. 28-5 

Alexander Wolcott, of Windsor, appointed Aug. 1801. 
Henry Wolcott, of Middletown, " July, 1828. 

Noah A. Phelps, of Hartford, '' Mar ,182^^. 

Austin Baldwin, of Middletown, " April,184L 

Phillip Sage, of Portland, " Oct. 1844. '^ 

William D. Starr, Middletown, " Feb., 1840, 

Samuel Cooper, " " June, 1849, 

Lists of Deputies to the General Court from Middle- 
town, and from the towns formed within its original lim- 
its will be given in the close of this work. 



SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWN, NOW 
CROMWELL. 

This township, while the second society in Middletown 
was called by different names. At first it was called 
the " North Society in Middletown," then " Middle- 
town Upper Houses," or simply the " Upper Houses," 
and then " Upper Middletown." For a long period the 
first name has hardly been mentioned or known ; tlic 
second was used almost solely for a great length of time, 
and after the third was adopted, it was of the two the 
most frequently used. The society being incorporated 
as a town and named Cromwell, in May, 1851. This 
distinguished and formidable name will probably soon 
supersede all others. 

The town is bounded by Portland on the east, for the 
boundary in that direction extends to the eastern marg- 
in of the river ; it has Rocky Hill on the north, Berlin 
on the west, and Middletown on the south, being separa- 
ted from it, partly by the northern branch of Little Riv- 
er, by Little River itself and thence by a line across the 
Connecticut, 

The lands in this town generally are good, some excel- 
lent. The lands of less value are the Plains on the north, 
which by judicious management may be made somewhat 
productive, and the wet lands along the branch of Little 
River, which may be improved by more thorough drain- 
ing. The lands to the right and left of Prospect Hill^ 

20 



236 



SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWfT. 



and onward to the meadows are fine. Some of these the 
elder President Adams declared to be as rich as the soil 
of Egypt. 

Prospect Hill is thus designated by reason of the ad- 
mirable southern view which it affords of the Connecti- 
cut, of the meadows and fields on either side, of Port- 
land village, and the city of Middietown, and of the 
slopes, hills and mountains beyond. The view for a mile 
onward along the public road is softer, but charming. 

The settlement commenced in Cromvfell, nearly as 
soon as in Middietown, and the sites in both cases were 
selected with admirable judgment ; on dry and rich 
grounds near the Connecticut, and as near each other as 
the nature of the intermediate grounds admitted. 

In the Address, Nathaniel White, Samuel Stocking, 
George Graves, Robert Webster, Joseph Smith, Daniel 
Harris, John Martin,"' John Savage,; Thomas Ranney, 
David Sage and John Kirby are mentioned as early set- 
tlers in this place. With these other settlers were soon 
united, and the settlements spread to the north and west. 
The sons of some of the settlers in Middietown came 
and settled here. Other persons came from different 
places and established themselves among them. Some 
efforts have been made in vain to find a regular cata- 
logue of the inhabitants in 1703, at the time they were 
constituted the North Society in Middietown, and also to 
find their lists. But as the Society were about to settle 
their first minister, a catalogue of the taxable persons 
■vyas made, together with their lists annexed,. w^hich will 
now be given. We have arranged the surnames alpha- 
betically, placing those of the same name in connection. 



Names. List. 

James Brown. £22 00 
Wm. Butler, 6 00 

Joseph Butler, 13 10 

Nathaniel Clark, 46 14 

Daniel Clark, 65 10 

Serj. Clark, 71 17 

John Clark, 46 00 

Isaac Cornwell, 24 00 

Joseph Crowfoot, 18 00 



Names. 


List. 


Samuel Frovy, 


. 69 00 


Roger Gipson, 


45 10 


Samuel Gipson, 


72 00 


David Hurlburt, 


37 00 


John Kirby, 


30 00 


Samuel Lucas, 


35 00 


William Mark, 


25 00 


Margaret Ranney, 


3 10 


Ebenezer Ranney, 


48 18 



SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWN. 



237 



Names. 
Thomas Stow, Jr., 
John Warner, Sen., 
.John Warner, Jun., 
Joseph White, 
Tns. White, 
John White, 
Hugh White, 
Daniel White, 
Jacob White, 
Israel Wilcox, 
John Wilcox, 
Francis Wilcox, 
Samuel Wilcox, 
Joseph Whitmore, 

Total, 



List. 

£43 00 
77 19 
75 11 
85 00 
85 10 
18 00 
42 00 
49 17 
88 10 
148 05 
57 05 
59 05 
77 00 
44 00 

£2,586 03 



Names. List. 

Joseph Ranney, £61 05 

John Ranney, 30 05 

Thomas Ranney, 120 15 

Wm. Ranney, 6 10 

Wm. Sage, 24 00 

Timothy Sage, 79 05 

John Sage, 150 00 

Capt. Savage, 89 02 

Thomas Savage, 41 10 

William Savage, 73 00 

Hannah Scovil, 27 10 

Mary Scovil, 15 00 

John Shepherd, j ^y qq 

Edward Shepherd, ) 

Samuel Shepherd, 21 00 

Daniel Stocking, 59 05 

Samuel Stow, 39 05 

Thomas Stow, Sen., 42 00 

What is now known as the East-street in Worthing- 
ton, in the town of Berlin, belonged to this Society un- 
til 1790. Some of the foregoing inhabitants may have 
located themselves in that street as early as 1714. The 
population of Upper Middletown in 1850, vfas 1,275 
souls. Another account says it was 1,259, which may 
have been the fact at a different period in the same year. 

While the people generally in this place have pursued 
agriculture from the beginning, some in the village early 
began Ship-building and carried it on more or less over 
a century, and for about half the time vessels w^ere 
built at two yards. Some individuals w^ere considerably 
concerned in navigation, in the latter part of the last 
century, and in the beginning of the present many 
young men engaged in sea-faring life, and quite a num- 
ber first and last had the command of vessels.* 

But for some years there has been very little Ship- 
building and navigation in Cromwell, and few, hardly 
any have followed the seas. But while these branches 
of business have been stayed, husbandry has been more 



* A notice of the building of the small Steamboat " Experiment " here 
in 1821, and of its peculiar construction, might be properly given in this 
place, but we cannot afford the space for its insertion. 



238 SKETCH OF WPPER MIDDLETOWS"^ 

tlioroughly pursued, and numbers have turned their at- 
tention successfully to manufactures. [See Mr. Gor- 
hara's account pp. 129-30.] 

Several neat houses were built in the village about 
1 804, and the place has the appearance of thrift and 
prosperity. There are five merchant stores in the 
Town, which deal principally in groceries. 

It has been incidentally mentioned that the people 
were formed into a Society in 1703. In January of 
that year the town of Middletown agreed that they 
Might be a Society, provided they settled a minister and 
built a meeting house within twelve months from that 
time, and the General Assembly incorporated them at 
their Session in the following May,. Their thoughts and 
efforts were doubtless directed at once to both objects 
specified in the consent of the Town. And they did 
erect a meeting-house in 1703, or soon after, a little 
north of their oldest and principal cemetery, and did sa 
much to it, that they met in it for public worship. — 
They also employed candidates to preach to them, hop- 
ing that their minds and hearts would be so united in 
some one that they might call him to be their pastor and 
settle him. In 1709 there was a prospect that they 
might settle Mr. Daniel Doming, but the prospect fail- 
ed. They afterward employed Rev. Joseph Smith, and 
their affections were so drawn towards him, that in 
January 1714, " they agreed to allow him a comfortable 
maintainance," and expressed an intention of proceed- 
ing in a gospel way to settle him. In view of his set- 
tlement they finished their meeting-house, and January 
5th, 1715, the church was organized, consisting of 23 
members, 20 of whom had belonged to the church in 
Middletown, one to some other church, and two were re- 
ceived on profession. On the same occasion Mr. Smith 
was installed their pastor. Thus twelve years, and not 
merely twelve months passed away^ before they had a 
finished meeting-house, and a minister settled among 
them to discharge statedly the duties of the sacred office. 

When the statistical account of Middlesex County 
was prepared more than thirty years since, the writer 
was informed that Mr. Smith was a native of Concord^ 



SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWN. 239 

Mass.; but it has since been ascertained that he was a 
son of Philip Smith of Hadley, who made provision in 
his will for his having a public education. He was 
graduated at Harvard College in 1695, and soon after 
began to instruct the Grammar School in Hadley, usu- 
ally called the Hopkins Academy. He afterwards 
taught a school in Springfield, continuing in the two 
places until 1700. Subsequently he was chaplain to 
the garrison in Brookfield, preaching to the garrison and 
people of the town, and receiving his support from the- 
Colony of Massachusetts. ^' In 1708 he went to Co- 
hancy, in Cumberland county, New Jersey, and was 
ordained pastor of Cohaney by the Presbytery of 
Philadelphia May 10, 1709. Having preached there 
about two years he came to Greenwich, Conn., and 
preached there a short time, and thence he came to the 
Upper Houses, where he died in office Sept. 8, 1736, 
aged 62. His wife was Esther Parsons, daughter of 
Joseph Parsons of Northampton and Springfield. She 
died May 30, 1760, in the 89th year of her age."* 
Mr. Smith possessed more property than clergymen 
generally, and had a larger library. 

Some time before the death of Mr. Smith, the thoug-lits 
of the people were directed to the preparation^ of a 
second house for the worship of God, and as their pro- 
ceedings may throw some light on their circumstances, 
and on the customs of that period, it may be well to ad- 
vert to them for a moment. Nov. 21, 1734 " two thirds 
of the inhabitants of the North Society, declared that it 
was of necessity that a new Meeting-house should be 
built in said Society." Again on the 28th of the same 
month the " Society agreed to begin to cut timber for 
their Meeting-house at the end of January or beginning 
of February." But more than a year elapsed after 
the last mentioned date, before they were ready to raise 
the frame, and tliat was no small concern ; for the tim- 
bers were very large, and such machinery was not then 
used as is now employed in putting up frames. Accor- 



* Foote Genealogy, by N. Goodwin, pp. 280. 



* 20 



240 SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWJir. 

clingly on the 21st of March 1T35-6, (1736 as we now 
(late,) the Society appomted Serj. Shepherd, Hugh 
White and Capt. John Warner to order for the provid- 
ing of the dinners, for the raising of the Meeting-house, 
and the Society to be divided into three parts, each part 
to provide the dinner they are ordered to provide it." 

'^ At the same meeting the Society agreed that what 
drinks are expended in raising the Meeting-house, shall 
be borne by the Society excepting what shall be drunk 
with their vituals." 

This year the house was prepared for occupancy- 
It was 55 feet in length, and 36 in breadth, and was 
used as a sanctuary for more than a century. 

Edward Eells, son of Rev. Edward Eells, pastor of 
the 2d church in Scituate, Mass., graduate of Harvard 
College 1733, was the successor of Mr. Smith. He 
w^as ordained Sept. 6. 1,738, and died Oct. 12, 1776, 
aged 64. He acquired some celebrity from a pamphlet 
which he published respecting the " Wallingford case " 
in 1759. He preached at the State Election in 1767, 
and was trustee of Yale College from 1761 imtil his 
death. 

One of his sons, Edward Eells, w^as a Continental 
Captain in the Revolutionary war. He died in his 
native place Dec. 8, 1787, aged 47. Three of his sons, 
James, Samuel and Ozias were educated at Yale, and 
became pastors of churches ; James in East Glaston- 
bury, Samuel in North Branford* and Ozias in Bark- 
hamsted. 



* Concerning Rev. Samuel EelLs a recent History of North Branford 
saj's: that "being a man of much versatility of talent, he practised to 
some extent among his own people as a physician for the body, as well as 
a watchman for souls. From one incident in his life, which has been 
preserved in the memories of his people, it would seem that he was like- 
wise capable, as necessity required of wielding either carnal or spiritual 
weapons. His ministry embraced the trying and eventful period of our 
Revolutionary struggle. On one occasion in the early part of the year 
1777, when "Washington was in the vicinity of New York, his whole force 
not amounting to more than fifteen hundred men, he called upon the peo- 
ple of Connecticut to send down with all dispatch their quota of troops. 



SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWN. 241 

Gershom Buckley^ native of Rocky Hill, and gradu- 
ate of Yale College 1770, was the successor of Mr. 
Eells. He was ordained pastor June 17, 1778 and dis- 
missed, pursuant to an agreement between him and his 
people July 7, 1808. He died April 7, 1832, aged 84. 

Joshua L. Williams, son of Rcv. Joshua Williams, 
succeeded Mr. Buckley. He was born in Wethersfield, 
graduated at Yale in 1805, and ordained June 14, 1809. 
He was a judicious, devoted and useful minister, attend- 
ed faithfully to the Schools in his parish, and taught 
lads in his house. He died Dec. 29, 1832, aged 48. 

Zehulon Crocker, native of Willington, graduate of 
Yale 1827, studied theology at New Haven one year, 
became pastor of the church May 2, 1833, and died 
Nov. 14, 1847, aged 45.^ He stood high in his class 
when in College, and had the honor when he was gradu- 
ated of delivering the Greek oration. He was after- 
ward an important teacher in the " Ellington School." 
Thus he was happily prepared to carry forward the 
education of the young in his parish, which had already 
been advanced beyond that of parishes generally in the 

Tho intelligence of this requisition arrived in this place on the Sabbath, 
while the people were engaged in public worship. Considering this to be 
one of those works of necessity Avhich might properly receive the atten- 
tion of his people on the Sabbath, Mr. Eells communicated the important 
intelligence from the pulpit, and requested at once that those who were 
willing and ready to go forth on this important mission, should parade on 
the Green, in front of the Meeting-house, immediately after service. The 
able bodied men of this Society made a ready response to this unexpected 
summons. At the conclusion of service a line was promptly formed on 
the Green, and principally through the agency and energy of Lieut. 
Samuel Baldwin, a company was organized. This company, includingitg 
officers, consisted finally of 60 men, % portion of whom belonged to tho 
societies of Branford and Northford. The command of it belonged of 
right to Lieut. Baldwin, who with great expedition had succeeded in 
gathering it together in a short time. But Lieut. B. courteously waved 
his right in favor of his own minister, and the Rev. Samuel Eells was ac- 
cordingly chosen to the captaincy, (not chaplaincy !) of the body."— 
His commission as captain Avas signed by Gov. Trumbull, Jan. 14, 1777, 
and he took the command, and appears to have gone with his company to 
the aid of Washington. The pamphlet from which this account is quo- 
ted, states further ; " fortunately, he and his company had no occasion to 
proceed to the extremities of war, and he returned without having killed 
any body." 



242 



SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWN. 



vicinity, and of taking the lead in the establishment of 
an Academy. As a pastor and preacher the people 
greatly esteemed him. 

A published work of Mr. Crocker of 300 large duo- 
decimo pages, should not be forgotten, entitled the 
'' Catastrophe of the Presbyterian Church." 

Having attended the General Assembly of the P. 
Church, as a delegate from the General Association of 
Connecticut in 1837, Avhen the Plan of Union between 
the said Assembly and Association was abrogated on 
the part of the former, and four Synods, embracing five 
hundred ministers and sixty thousand communicants, 
were excluded from> it ; and deeming the exclusion un- 
justifiable, Mr. C. undertook to give a history of the 
Plan of Union and its operations, and to set aside the 
ground on which the Assembly acted. The work con- 
tains much matter, and is presented in a lucid style. 

George Jl. Bryan^ native of Waterbury, graduate of 
Yale 1843, who studied theology at New Haven, sue . 
ceeded Mr. Crocker June 13, 1849. 

The number of members admitted to the church by 
Mr. Smith, was 62, by Mr. Eells 138, by Mr. Buck- 
Ley 85, by Mr. Williams 218, Mr. Crocker 137, Mr. 
Bryan has admitted 15. These admissions, with the 23' 
members at the organization make a total of QQ^, The 
communicants Jan 1, 1852, were 164. 



BEACONS IN THE CHURCH. 



William Savage, 
Samuel Hall, 
Samuel Stow, 
John Wilcox, 
Samuel Gipson, 
Samuel Shepherd, 
Isaac White, 
William Savage, 
Thomas Johnson, Esq., 
Joseph Kirby, 
Solomon Sage, 
Timothy Gipson, 
Amos Sage, 
Jeremiah Hubbard, 
Bani Parmelee, 
Rufus Sage, 
Joseph R. Wilcox, 
Isaac Sage, 
John Stevens, 



Elected. 

Feb. 10, 1716. 

do. 



Dec. 3, 1745. 
Jan. 15, 1749. 

Jan. 9, 1766. 
Nov. 29, 1770. 
Jan. 26, 1775. 
Jnn. 14, 1784. 
Feb 22, 1790. 
Dec. 14, 1807. 
March 23, 1810. 
July 1817. 
April 6, 1822. 
Oct. 29, 1826, 
Sept. 1, 1843. 



Deaths, 

Reelected in E.M 
Sept. 28, 1741. 
May 12, 1751. 
March 18, 1748. 
Dro'd Apl 9, 1750, 
June 27, 1769. 

1774 
Dec. 26, 1774. 
Sept. 12, 1783. 
June 7, 1794. 
Jan. 8, 1814. 
Feb. 15, 1820. 
Aug. 23, 1808. 
Feb. 22, 1837. 
March 13, 1826. 
Jan. 25, 1852. 



Ages. 



68. 
76. 

71. 
74. 

56. 
64. 
74. 
70. 
72. 
63. 
81. 
49. 
79. 



SKETCH OF UPPLR MTDDLETOWN. 243 

The last year the people gave about 300 dollars to 
public objects of christian benevolence, which may be 
taken as a fair average for a number of years. 

The third church edifice is of brick, 69 feet by 44. 
It was built in 1840, and cost $7,500. 

The society has a parsonage worth $2,700. It has 
also some lands which rent for $50 per year. 



BAPTISTS IN CROMWELL. 

The Society was formed Jan. 2, 1801, and the church 
orgaaized Feb. 2, 1802, consisting of 16 members. — 
Sixteen more were added in the course of that and the 
succeeding year. Revivals were enjoyed in 1805, '18, 
'31 and '43. The average number of members from 
1805 may have a little exceeded 50. The number Jan. 
1, 1852, was TO. 

Their Meeting-house was built in 1803 in the West 
street, 46 feet by 36. Having been removed to the 
centre, it was re-opened for worship in Jan. 1833. 

The people have enjoyed preaching generally, but 
not uniformly, and when destitute of stated preaching, 
unless an elder came among them for a Sabbath, they 
relied upon the gifts of private members of the church. 
The following is a list of their preachers and elders. 

Ebe7' Moffott preached to them from about the time 
of the organization of the church, until the latter part 
of 1803, or beginning of 1804, about the time of his 
death. 

JWhemiah Dodge preached to them a part of 1804. 
Daniel Wildman a portion of the time from March 1805 
until July 1811, being called about this time to the 
oversight of the Baptist Church in Chester, and Frederic 
Wightman preached to them from 1817 until 1832. 

Charles B. Keys preached to them from Dec. 3, 1832, 
until the Spring of 1833, George B. Atwell from April 
1834 until April 1835 ; John R. Price of Meriden from 
Nov. 1836 until April 1837, when Frederic Wightman 
preached to them again from that time until April 1839. 



244 SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWN. 

William Bickins^ a licenciate from the Hamilton 
Literary Institution, preached to them from Sept. 1839 
to April 1840 ; William Bentley from April 1840, about 
six years ; James Hepburn commenced labors here in 
1846 and continued them two years ; Joseph Bailey, a 
student in the Wesleyan University supplied them with 
preaching afterwards six months. 

George W. Hervey, native of Durham N. Y., grad- 
uate of the College in the District of Columbia 184T, 
who studied theology in the Union Theological Seminary 
New York city, began to preach to the congregation in 
the Autumn of 1850, and labored among them until the 
beginning of April 1852. He is now in New York city. 

Elder Charles W. Potter, a native of Norwich, who 
has preached several years, succeeds him. 

For four or five years the people have received assis- 
tance from the Baptist State Convention. Towards the 
support of Mr. Hervey during his last years service 
they received $25, and from their sister church in the 
city of Middletown ^50. 

The contributions of the congregation to benevolent 
objects for some time have been small, about 15 dollars 
annually, given mostly for the support of Baptist 
Foreign Missions. 

In 1683 the inhabitants of this place w^ere allowed 
their proportion of a school rate in Middletown, for the 
maintenance of a school among themselves. For many 
years they have had five school districts. This is the 
number at the present time. These as they are now 
organized are called, the Central District, including the 
former Nooks District, the South District, the West, 
North and Plain districts. The children in these dis- 
tricts, between 4 and 16 years of age were 313. 

The influence of Mr. Crocker in the cause of educa- 
tion has been already noticed. The people were pre- 
pared to appreciate and second his exertions. A num- 
ber of gentlemen in 1782 united together in an effort to 
build a new school house in the centre, and to sustain a 
teacher summer and winter. Their expressed design 
was to maintain a school wdiich should be superior to 



SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWN. 245 

schools generally which then existed, an object, "which it 
is believed they in some good degree accomplished. 

In 1808 a debating society was formed which was 
soon succeeded by the Friendly Association^ organized 
on a more enlarged and efficient plan, and to which the 
property of the Debating Society was transferred. The 
objects of this association were, " the discussion of ques- 
tions on various subjects, the recitation of dialogues and 
selected pieces, original composition and declamation, 
public lectures, together with a permanent library for 
the use of the members." The first meeting was held 
Feb. 20, 1810, with a prospect of success which has 
been fully realized. This has already existed more 
than forty years, and is still in vigorous operation. — 
Meetings are usually held weekly by the members, and 
a course of lectures during each winter. It has nearly 
300 members and a library of between 4 and 500 vol- 
umes. The influence of the institution has been to 
create a taste for reading and inquiry, not only among 
the members, but in the families to which they belong, 
to elicit and strengthen talent and elevate society. 

William C. Redfield, now of New York, residing here 
in early life, though engaged in mechanical labor mani- 
fested an ardent desire for knowledge, and sought it by 
every means within his reach. He was one of the most 
active and efficient members of the association, and while 
his own mind was quickened and expanded, he benefitted 
others. Thus he was preparing to become an accejota- 
ble contributor to the American Journal of Science and 
through that a benefactor to his countrymen and race. 
Fame has justly followed him, particularly for his de- 
velopment of the laws of storms, and his example is one 
additional proof how a youth of small means, by dili- 
gent application and good conduct, may rise to honorable 
distinction and eminent usefulness. 

The community has felt the benefits of the Friendly 
Association ; I repeat the idea. Thus the people were 
prepared to appreciate and second the exertions of Mr. 
Crocker in the cause of education : particularly in es- 
tablishing and sustaining an academy. 



246 SKETCH OF UPPER MlDDLETOWN. 

The Academy building was erected in 1834, and is 
41 feet by 26 ; its cost about $1700. 

Though the institution has no permanent funds, it has 
hitherto been sustained mostly by the inhabitants, it has 
had much of the time on an average about fifty scholars, 
has accomplished much good and promises to accomplish 
much good hereafter. The resort for instructors has 
been to graduates of colleges, mostly to recent graduates 
and to such as had gone through with their classical 
course at Yale College ; to young men, who, while 
possessing competent literature and science, were pro- 
fessors of religion, and looking forward to the ministry 
of the gospel as their profession. This being the cape, 
their services as instructors were secured in most in- 
stances, only for limited periods. 

JYameSy birth-places §'c., of the successive Instructors, 

Sylvester Judd, a native of Northampton, graduate 
of Yale 1835, taught the Academy six months. He is 
now a Unitarian clergyman, and was for some time pas- 
tor of a church in Augusta, Maine. 

John Lord Taylor, native of Warren, graduate of 
Yale 1836 : tutor. He taught the academy six months, 
and is now settled in the ministry at Andover, Mass. 

Richard F. Searle, graduate of Union College 1835, 
taught one year. He is a Congregational clergyman. 

Edgar Jared Doolittle, native of Wallingford, grad- 
uate of Yale 1836, taught one year and a half. He is 
now settled in the ministry in Hebron. 

Israel Perkins Warren, native of Bethany, graduate 
of Yale 1838, taught a year and a half. Has been set- 
tled in the ministry at Granby and Hamden ; is now in 
Plymouth. 

James Hanmer Francis, native of Wethersfield, grad- 
uate of Yale 1826, taught the academy one year. (See 
clergymen of Westfield.) 

George Thatcher, native of Hartford, graduate of 
Yale 1840, taught the academy one year. He was first 
settled in the ministry in Derby, then in Nantucket, 
Mass., is now pastor of the Allen street church in New 
York. 



SKETCH OF UPPER MlDDLETOWl^. 247 

Jared Owen Knapp, native of Greenwich, graduate of 
Yale 1840, taught the academy three years. He was 
first settled in Plainville, Conn., and is now settled in 
Hatfield, Mass. 

Rollen D. H. Allen^ native of Middlebury, Vt., grad- 
uate of Middlebury College 1841. He taught the 
academy one year. Is a clerg3^man, not settled, resides 
at Terry ville. 

WiUimn Sturges Wright^ native of Glastenbury, 
graduate of Yale 1839, taught the academy five years. 
He is the stated supply of the Congregational church of 
Middle Haddam. 

Joseph Bar dwell Lyman, native of Northampton, 
Mass., graduate of Yale 1850, taught the academy six 
months, 

Julius Yale Leonard, native of Berkshire, N. Y., 
graduate of Yale 1851, is the present instructor. 



PHYSICIANS IN CROMWELL. 

Jlaron Roheirts. It has been said that he was a na- 
tive of Portland ; but this is very much doubted. He 
began to practice in Cromwell in 1757, and was a sur- 
geon in the Revolutionary War. In l783 he moved to 
New Britain in Berlin, to live with his son, where he 
died Nov. 21, 1792, in his 62d year. 

Solomon Savage, practised from about 1762 until his 
death Jan. 29, 1783, aged 43. 

Hosea Hurlburt, a native of Kensington, practised 
here from 1783 until 1790, moved to the town of Kil- 
lingworth. 

Daniel Lee, whose birth place we cannot state, prac- 
tised here from 1784 until 1787, when he moved to New 
London. 

Gideon JYoble, a native of Coventry probably, prac- 
tised here from 1791 to 1802, when he moved to South 
Glastenbury. He had a good education, pleasing man- 
ners, and acquired a respectable practice in both places. 
He died in 1807. 
21 



248 SKETCH OF UPPER MlDDLETOWN. 

Titus Morgan.^ was born in Westfield, Mass. He 
practised here, excepting a few montiis spent in Guil- 
ford, from 1802 until his death, Nov. 22, 1811, aged 35. 
He was a gentleman of refined and poetic taste, and 
agreeable manners ; an intelligent and respectable phy- 
sician. 

William Meigs Hand, born in Madison, was gradua- 
ted M. D., at Dartmouth College in 1812, and proba- 
bly came immediately to Cromwell. In 1816 he moved 
to Worthington in Berlin. He was amiable and well in- 
formed, interesting in conversation, and happy in writing 
sketches and essays, a successful practitioner and a man 
of good moral character. He published a pamphlet, 
entitled, " A Trip to Ohio," and a Manual of Medicine 
and Surgery for the family." He died in 1822, aged 32. 

William Tulley. (See physicians in Middletown.) 

David B. Brooks, son of Dr. David Brooks of North 
Guilford, Yale College M. D., commenced practice here 
in 1819 and remained about one year, wdien he settled in 
the city of New York, where he died July 22, 1830, 
aged 32. He is said to have been a popular man. 

Sylvester Buckley, born in Rocky Hill, graduated at 
Yale 1810, was graduated M. D. at Dartmouth in 1812. 
He began practice in Haddam Town in 1813, and some 
years afterwards practised in Chester and Higganum ; 
in Cromwell from 1821 to 1830 ; in Worthington from 
1830 until within a recent period. He is now in prac- 
tice in his native place. 

Richard Warner, born in that part of Hadlyme So- 
ciety, which belongs to the town of Lyme, graduate of 
Yale College 1817, M. D., began practice in East Had- 
dam in 1823, moved to Cromwell in 1830, where he has 
constantly practiced until the present time. 

Note. The "virtuous remains of Samuel Hurlburt Jr., M. D." rest 
in the old burial ground in this town, but no tradition is preserved that 
he ever practiced his profession, or ever lived in this place. This state" 
ment is given as received. 

Russell Stow, native of Cromwell, entered Yale Col- 
lege in 1798, and left that institution at the close of his 
Freshman year : studied medicine with Dr. Ebenezer 
Tracy, commenced practice in Ellisburgh, Jefferson Co. 



SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWN. 249 

N. Y., where he conthiued several years : he then mov- 
ed to Adams in the same county, where he still lives : he 
has had considcrahle practice in both places. 

Robert Hubbard M. D., of Cromwell, entered Yale 
College, but left in consequence of ill-health. He after- 
wards studied medicine and settled as a practitioner in 
Bridgeport. 



GRADUATES FROxM CROMWELL AT YALE 

COLLEGE. 

Stephen White, son of John, grandson of Daniel and 
great grandson of Nathaniel White, repeatedly men- 
tioned as an early settler, and an highly honored inhabi- 
tant of Middlctown, in the part which is now Cromwell, 
was born June 8, 1718, about two years before his 
father's family moved to Nevf Haven, where he was 
graduated in 1736. He was ordained pastor of the first 
church in Windham, Dec. 24, 1740, and remained there 
in the pastoral office until his death Jan. 9, 1794. 

His wife was Mary Dyer, sister of Eliphalet Dyer, a 

member of the Revolutionary Congress and presiding 

judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut. He had 

'13 children, the youngest of whom was the late Dyer 

White Esq., of New Haven, Judge of Probate. 

Daniel Stocking 1748. Did not enter upon any pro- 
fession, but was so much occupied in teaching school, 
that he acquired the title of Master Stocking. He died 
Dec. 23, 1800, aged 73. 

Joseph Kirby 1765. Was licensed to preach, but 
being excessively diffident and very singular, he did not 
succeed at all as a candidate ; at times his appearance 
and conduct were such that he was deemed by some to 
be partially deranged. He however married and had 
several children ; lived some years in Granville, Mass., 
and then in Dorset, Vt., where he died in Sept. 1823, 
aged 78. 

Isaac Gridley 1773. Was born in Kensington in 
Berlin, but lived during most of his childhood in New 
Haven. He came to Cromwell to teach school, and 



250 SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWN. 

"was much employed in this service in subsequent life. 
He was also a justice of the peace. He died Nov. 15, 
1836, aged 82. 

Timothy Jones Gridky 1808. Studied medicine with 
Dr. Nathan Smith at Dartmouth College, where he was 
graduated M. D.; settled as a physician in Amherst, 
Slass.j where he held a high standing. Died March 11, 
1852, aged 64. 

Chaunccy Wilcox 1824. Studied theology at New 
Haven, and was ordained pastor of the North Church in 
Greenwich June 25, 1828, where " he labored with great 
fidelity and success for eighteen 3^ears, and raised up an 
infant church of eighteen members among a scattered 
population, to number more than a hundred. Three of 
those converted under his ministry entered the field of 
Foreign Missions, and two still live to labor there ; 
another is a useful pastor in New England. After the 
spring of 1847 he was ' highly useful and respected as 
a teacher of youth and a promoter of every good work" 
in Ridgefield, where he died Jan. 31, 1852, aged 55. 
He was a man without guile. He loved the ministry, 
and loved every thing pertaining to the cause of Christ. 

He attended the funeral of his father, Dea. Joseph 
R. Wilcox in his native town, the Wednesday preced- 
ing his own death, and afterwards returned home. But 
though removed thus suddenly, his faith did not fail him 
nor waver in the least. His end was peace.* 

Thomas Staiighton Savage 1825, M. D. Studied at 
the Theological (Episcopal) School, near Alexandria, D. 
C, became an Episcopal clergyman ; was missionary at 
Cape Palmas in Africa ; is now rector of a church at 
Pass Christian, Miss. 

William Kirby 182T. Studied theology in New Ha- 
ven, was a Home Missionary in Illinois ; has recently 
died in Jacksonville. 

George Slocum Folger Savage, 1814. Studied The- 
ology in Andover and in New Haven, was ordained as a 
Home Missionary, (in his native place,) went to St. 



* N. y. Observer, Feb. 12, 1852. 



SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWN. 251 

Charles, Kane County, Illinois, where he is now settled 
as pastor of a Church. 

Josiah Savage, 1846. Studied law in New Haven 
and New York, went to California, and died at Trinity 
River, in Nov. 1849, aged 25. 

Ebcnezer Bcckwith, 1847. Is teacher of an Acade- 
my at Granada, Miss. 

Thomas Scranton Hubbard, 1849. Is a manufactur- 
er in Durham. 

WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. 

\Villiam A. M, Hand, 1836. Only child of Dr. 
William M. Hand, was a man of good talents, natural 
and acquired, of ardent piety and great promise ; had 
commenced the study of theology, but was removed by 
death. May 16, 1839, aged 32. 

Two individuals, natives of Cromwell, though not 
graduates of Colleges, Jairus Wilcox, and William Red- 
Jield Stocking, maybe properly named in this connection. 

Mr. Wilcox was engaged in secular business, bej^ond 
the usual period of preparation for the ministry before 
he resolved upon entering the sacred office. He was 
sometime member of the Bangor Seminary, and then 
went through with a three years course in the Theologi- 
cal Department of Yale College, where his studies closed 
in 1830. The next year he was settled in Bethany in 
Woodbridge, where he remained a few years. He then 
went to Bergen, N. Y., and thence to Victor, preaching 
a year or two in each place. In 1838, he went as pas- 
tor with a Church, formed in one or other of those 
places, to Geneseo, in Illinois, under the patronage of 
the Home Missionary Society. Here his health failed 
him, and in 1845 he removed to Chicago and became 
pastor of the Bethel Church, with which he was connect- 
ed a considerable time. Here he was attacked by the 
cholera, in Sept. 1851, which produced indescribable suf- 
ferings, which closed his life on earth in twelve hours. 
But in these trying circumstances he was sustained by 
the grace of God. 

William Redfield Stocking, like the worthy man after 

^ 21 



■m.\ 



252 SKETCH OF UPPER MIDDLETOWN. 

■whom he "was calledj with small means, has risen to an 
important station. To him the Friendly Association 
and the Academy were blessings. About 15 years ago 
he went out as a teacher to Oroomiah in Persia, where 
he is said to have become well acquainted with the lan- 
guage of the country and where he has been ordained 
a preacher of the Gospel. 



CROMWELL POST-OFFICE ESTABLISHED 

IN 1809. 

Post Masters, 

Samuel Rose, from Sept., 1809 to Jan. 11, 1813. 

Josiah Sage, from Jan. 11, 1813 to April 16, 1839. 

C. N. Cannon, from April 16, 1839 to July 3, 1841. 

N. Bushnell, from July 3, 1841 to Oct. 1, 1845. 

R. Hubbard, from Oct. 1, 1845 to May 29, 1849. 
H. Stocking, from May 29, 1849. 

Tow7i Clerks in Cromwell. 

Samuel G. Wilcox, elected, July 16, 1851. 
Lorenzo H. Treat, " Oct. 6, 1851. 

Representatives, 
Marvin R. Warner, elected in April, 1852. 



SKETCH OF PORTLAND, 

More particularly of its Ecclesiastical 
History, of its Ship Building and 
Quarries, 



Very considerable settlements were made in the First Society 
of Middletown, and in Cromwell, before any were made in Port- 
land. One reason for this delay probably was the danger of 
attacks from the Indians, particularly in the night season, and 
the difficulty then of fleeing across the river to their brethren, 
or deriving- aid from them. The first two persons who settled 
in Portland were James Stancliff and John Gill. The former 
had a house on the bank of the river at the end of Portland 
fctreet about 1690, perhaps a little earlier. The latter had a 
house not far from him about the same time. The third settler 
was William Cornwall, who settled back from Portland mead- 
ow. Other settlers joined them from time to time and occupied 
various portions of the fine arable and productive lands in the 
western part of the township. 

These were accustomed for more than 20 years to attend pub- 
lic worship on the western side of the rivei. In May, 1714. 31 
persors, who were doubtless generally heads of families, peti- 
tioned the General Court for parish privileges. The petition 
was granted, and the parish was named East Middletonn, a 
name which it retained until its incorporation with most of Mid- 
dle Haddam and East Hampton as a town, by the name of Chat- 
ham in Oct., 1767, when this parish became the first parish of 
Chatham, and was usually called Chatham. 

The names of the petitioners were, Bariah Bacon, Shamga 
Barnes, John Bevin, Samuel and Nathaniel Bidwell, Thomas 
Bucke, William and Jacob Cornwall, Richard Sill, John Gaines, 
Ebenezer and Joshua Gill, Richard Goodale, sen., Richard and 
Ebenezer Goodale, Thomas Hale, Samuel Hall, Walter Harris, 
Ebenezer Hurlbut, John Miller, Job Payne. Jonathan Sleed, Na- 
thaniel Savage, Jonathan and Ebenezer Smith, James and Will- 
iam Stancliff, Joseph Warner, Joseph and Nathaniel White, and 
Thomas W:ight. The aggregate of their list as taken the year 
preceeding was £1383:09. 

Other persons settled there soon after by the name of Hub- 
bard, Barney, Stocking and Wilcox. Noadiah, son of Rev. 
Noadiah Russell of Middletown, settled about 1720, on the site 
now occupied by his great grandson Daniel Russell. With 



254 SKETCH OF PORTLAND. 

these were united Lemuel Lewis from the county of Barnsta- 
ble, Mass., John Penfield from Rhode Island, Joseph Blague 
from ISaybrook, John Churchill from Wethersfield, and some 
others. The population and property of the parish were much 
increased before the incorporation of the parishes of Middle 
Haddam and East Hampton, the former in 1740, and the latter 
in 1748. Almost all the inhabitants until this time supported their 
families by agriculture, though long before this the^ free stone 
of Portland excited considerable attention, and ship-building was 
commenced. 

The people having been formed into a society they built a 
meeting house in 171G, 40 feet by 2G. This stood upon the hill, 
south of the present town-house. 

The church was organized Oct. 25, 1721, and consisted of 29 
persons, most of whom were probably recommended from the 
churches in Middletown and Cromwell. 

At the same time Daniel Newell^ native of Bristol and gradu- 
ate of Yale College, 1718, was ordained their pastor. He is 
spoken of as a worthy man and some special attention to reli- 
gion among his people attended his labors. He died Sept. 14, 
1731, aged 31 years. 

Moses Bartlett, born in that part of Guilford, which is now 
Madison and graduated at Yale College in 1730, studied both 
theology and medicine with his distinguished f\ither-in-law. Rev. 
Phineas Fisk of Haddam, became the successor of Mr. Newell, 
June G, 1733, and besides discharging the duties of the minis- 
try, he was like his instructor, physician for the bodies of hia 
people, and the only physician living within the limits of his pa- 
rish ._ He died Dec. 27, 176G, aged 58, and his people in respect 
to his memory erected a monument over his grave. 

Cyprian Strong, born in Farmington, graduated at Yale Colj 
lege, in 1763, D. D., was ordained the successor of Mr. Bartlett, 
Aug. 19, 1767, and died Nov. 17,1811, aged 67 years. 

Dr. Strong was highly esteemed for his good sense, his thor- 
ough acquaintance with theology and his uniform and blameless 
life. In his private relations, as a companion and triend few 
have been more beloved j and though as a preacher he had not 
that fervency of address and brilliancy of imagination which 
are requisite to catch the attention of the multitude for the 
moment, yet his sermons were distinguished for clear reasoning 
and sound instruction, and his prayers for appropriateness and 
solemnity. 

Several of his occasional sermons and controversial pieces are 
in print, and do honor to his understanding and his heart. The 
principal of these are an election sermon, and two inquiries, re- 
specting the nature and design of christian baptism. In the 
midst of numerous trials he was calm and resigned. The 
prominent traits of his character are happily expressed upon his 
monument. " In morals exemplary; in doctrine uncorrupt; in 



SKETCH OF PORTLAND. 



255 



reasoning profound; in declaring God's counsel perspicuous and 
solemn, and in death peaceful." 

Eber L. Clark, native of Mansfield, graduate of William's 
College, 1811, was settled in Portland, Sept. 25, 1812, and dis- 
missed Aug. 18, 1815. He after\Yards settled in the parish of 
Turkey Hiils, in Granby, and preached, alternately to the con- 
gregation in that parish, and to the convicts in the State Prison, 
which was then in that town. In 1820 he was settled in 
Winchindon, Mass., where he remained until Feb., 18;55, Since 
June, 1838, he has been pastor of the congregational church in 
Richmond. 

Hervey Talcott, the present pastor, born in Coventry, gradu- 
ated'at Yale, 1810, was settled here Oct. 23, 1816. 
The "constituent members of the church, as just stated 

were 29 

Mr. Newell admitted 50 

Mr. Bartlett, 114 

Dr. Strong, 19^ 

Mr. Clark, 24 

Mr, Talcott has admitted 207 



Total of members, 
The number of members, Jan. 1, 1852, was 82. 



G17 



Elected. 
Samuel Hall, 
John Gaines, 
Joseph White, Esq., 
David Sage, Esq., 
Ebenezer White, Esq., 
Dr. Mo.^es Bartlett, 
Hezekiah Goodrich, Esq 
Jonathan Brown, 
Daniel Shepherd, Esq., 
Joel Strickland, 
Job H. Pavue, 
Dr. G H. Gilbert, 
Franklin Payne, 



Beacons of the Church. 

Died. 
I Nov. 9, 1721. 



Jan. 22, 1724. 
Dec. 15, 1748. 
April 21, 1768. 
Oct. 27, 1791. 

do do 
June 25, 1795. 
March 15, ISIO. 
Nov. 2, 1821. 
Nov. 2, 1821. 
Feb. 7, 1851. 



March 6, 1740. 
July 27, 1748. 
Dec. 14, 1770. 
Nov. 25, IH03. 
July 29, 1317. 
March 3, 1810. 
Became Epis. 
March 9, 1826. 
Oct. 24, 1850. 
Dismissed, 1851. 



76 

72 
82 
86 
90 
70 

77 
97 



do do 

On the first Sabbath in Jan., 1852, the Rev. Mr. Talcott stat- 
ed to his congregation that since he came to Portland he had 
been called to ofiiciate at the interment of 326 persons, that 
three of these were said to be 100 years old or more, one, 105— 
that thirteen were over 90— eighty-three over 70-- one hundred 
and twenty-five under 20, and ninety-four, under 5. 

The Congregational Society has the following funds tor the 
support of the gospel, $8,428 77, with lands in addition, valued 

at ^250. ^ . -u . 1 f 

The congregation for the last ten years has contributed tor 
public benevolent objects, taking one year with another, about 
$150 annually. The largest amount ever contributed in a year 
is $184,03. 



256 SKETCH OF PORTLAND. 

The second meeting-house was built in 1750, 56 feet by 42, 
and placed north-east of the site of the first meeting-house. In 
this the congregation met much longer than they would have 
done, had it not been for a diiference of opinion among the 
members of the Society, as to the most suitable place for build- 
ing a third house for public worship. A new house however, 
was built in 1850, a short distance west from the second house, 
and dedicated on the 18th of December in that year. This is 
of brick, 70 feet by 39, and cost $6,200 ; the site, bell, furniture 
and other accommodations §^1,450 more; total, $7,650, 



Central Church. 



About the time that the meeting-house, just spoken of was 
begun, a portion of the Society, dissatisfied with the site, in 
connection with others, began the building of another meeting- 
house, a short distance eastward from the site of the second 
meeting-house. This is of wood, 60 feet by 40, and cost $4,000. 

On application, thirty-eight members of the old church were 
dismissed in Feb , 1851, that they might be organized into a 
new church. They and another individual, were thus organiz- 
ed, Jan. 30, 1851, and on the same day, their meeting-house was 
dedicated. They take the ^name of the Central Church, and, 
since their organization, have received twenty-nine members. 

Joel Strickland and Job H. Pa.yne^ who had been deacons in 
the old church, and were included in the number dismissed from 
it, weie re-elected deacons of the new church, Sept. 5, 1851. 

Rev. S. G. IV. T. Rankin^ who was engaged to preach to the 
congregation before the organization of the church and the 
dedication of their meeting-house, still supplies them. He re- 
ceived his classical education at Ripley College, Ripley, Ohio, 
and his Theological, at the Lane Seminary. 

The number of members in the church January 1, 1852, was 
seventy-eight. 



The Episcopal Church. 

The following account is furnished by Rev. Mr. Emory, the 
present Rector. 

A Church, " according to the order of the church of Eng- 
land," was organized in the first Ecclesiastical Society of Chat- 
ham, on the 17th of April, 1789, and immediately placed under 
the pastoral charge of the Rev. Abraham Jarvis, then Rector of 
Christ Church, Middletown. The Church consisted of fourteen 
families ; and divine service was held and the ordinances admin- 
istered in private houses, till their church edifice was completed 



SKETCH OF POUTLAND. 257 

some time in 1790. Before this time thirty-four families con- 
nected themselves with the church, making the number about 
fifty. 

On the 24th of June 1789, ten adults and eighty-one children 
were baptized. 

The church remained under the charge of the Rev. Abraham 
Jarvis, till Easter 1791. From 1791, till Easter 1793, the Rey. 
Tillotson Bronson was the ministei', when Abraham Jarvis again 
took charge of the church and continued to have the charge, 
until April, 1796, From 179G till 1820, this church, with the 
church in Glastenbury, and the church in Middle Haddam, 
composed one cure, and the Rev. Smith Miles was the minister. 
From 1820 to 1828, Mr. Miles confined his services to this 
church alone. He died Feb. 3d, 1830, aged 64 years. On tho 
7th of June, 1829, the Rev. William Jarvis was chosen Rector, 
and continued so till Easter, 1837, when in consequence of the 
loss of his voice he resigned the charge of the parish, and the 
Rev. Samuel M. Emory, was chosen Rector, having been the 
Rev. Mr. Jarvis' assistant for the year and a halt previous. 

In January, 1832, a new church edifice of stone was comple- 
ted, and was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Thomas C. Brownell, 
Bishop of the diocese of Connecticut, on the 15th of May, in 
that year, with the title of Trinity Church.- The old church 
edifice was afterwards presented to the town of Portland as a 
town house, f 

The annual average number of communicants, for,-the last 
twenty years is 99. The whole number of baptisms since the 
church was organized has been 1890 ; the whole number of 
deaths 420. 

The amount of available funds, the interest of which goes to 
the support of the church, is $6,000 ; the average annual collec- 
tion for missionary purposes in the last twenty years has been 
$645 49. 



Former Baptists in Portlarid. 

A Baptist Church was formed in the northeast extremity of 
this place, in 1783, which received a part of its members from 
Glasteubury. This many years since was dissolved. 

Several years since a Methodist Episcopal Society was formed 
in the north part of Portland, toward Glastenbury, where they 
have a small church edifice and where they still hold meetings. 

Measures are already taken by the same denomination, for 

* This is 70 feet by 48, and cost |8,000. 
J -rviia is of wood, 50 feet by 36. 



258 SKETCH OF PORTLAND. 

the erection of a new church edifice, on Portland street, nearly 
opposite the Episcopal Church, and money raised to pay the 
expense. 



PHYSICIANS IN PORTLAND. 

In the Address it is stated that the Rev. Moses Bartlett, the 
first minister of Portland, studied both theology and medicine 
with his father-in-law. Rev. Phineas Fisk of Haddam. He ap- 
pears to have l)een the first physician in Portland as well as the 
first minister. 

Moses Bartlett, fun., graduated at Yale in 17G3, studied medi- 
cine with Dr. Benjamin Gale of Killingworth, now Clinton. He 
doubtless entered upon practice before his father's death in 
17G6 and survived him more than forty years. He was a deacon 
in the church. Another son of Rev. Moses Bartlett, Phineas 
Bartlett, also studied medicine with Dr. Gale and was a physi- 
cian in Ashficld, Mass. 

Thomas Wells, acted as a surveyor as well as a physician. — 
He died in 1790 aged 40 years. 

Elisaa Fhclps. came from Colebrook or vicinity, to Portland 
as early as 1783 or 4, and practised there until about 1792, 
when he removed to Hanover or near there, in New Hampshire, 
where he died in 1819. 

Isaac Smith. See onward. 

Isaac Conkling. See Middletown physicians. 

Newell Smith, was born in Middle Haddam, studied medicine 
with Dr. John Richmond, of East Hampton, practiced 25 years 
in Otsego and Oneida counties, N. Y. afterwards 10 years in 
Portland , where he died Jan. 28, 1844 aged GO. 

George 0. Jarvis, native of New Canaan, received his profes- 
sional education in the medical department of Yale College, 
practiced 5 years in Torringford, 18 in Colebrook and has prac- 
ticed in Portland since 1840, received the degree of M. D. from 
Yale College in 1846. 

Gershom C. H. Gilbert, native of Mansfield, received his pro- 
fessional education also in the medical department of Yale Col- 
lege and commenced practice in 1844. 

Stephen A. Fuller, from Vershire, Vt. came to East Haddam, a 
few years since, and more recently has come to this place. 

Henry Everlin Cook, a native of this place, who studied with 
Dr. Sperry, of New London, commenced practice as a Thomso- 
nian physician here about 1835, where he remained about three 
years, and then removed to Moodus in East Haddam. 

Dr. Isaac Smith, whose name appears in the preceding list, 
was the son of Dea. Isaac Smith of East Hampton. He studied 
medicine with Dr. William B. Hall of Middletown, and com- 
menced practice in North Killingworth, now the town of Kil- 



SKETCH OF PORTLAND. 259 

lingwortli. Having spent a few years there, ho removed to 
Portland, where he practiced until his death, a period of 39 
years. 

A memoir of him was prepared by his neighbor and friend, 
the late Dr. Thomas Minor of JVliddletown, which iS published 
in "Williams' American Medical Biography." 

The surviving acquaintances and friends of Dr. Smith will be 
gratified by reading the following paragraphs : 

" In his deportment and intercourse with the members of his 
iprofession, he was always open, candid, frank and hospitable j 
with the sick, upright, beloved, kind, attentive, sympathizing, 
nlways ready tc sacrifice his comfort, ease and happiness for the 
good of his patient. His practice was plain and well adapted 
to the case, and his native judgment and long experience gave 
him a claim to confidence which was rarely disappointed. He 
i^asa regular attendant upon divine service and a communicant 
of the Congregational chureh, always appearing to rejoice ia 
christian privileges and duties." 

"Though the friends of the deceased wish not for the lan- 
o-uage of panygeric, nor do we claim for him the more distin- 
i^mished talents, or that he was pre eminently skilful in all th^j 
diseases to which a community is inciden'fTyet he possessed, in 
an eminent degree, the key to the fine sensibilities of the soul, 
and knew the sympathies and idiosyrcracies of his subjects and 
would moxe readily address his conversation and adapt his pre- 
scription, in their case, than now can any other. 

""The disease which caused his death was a fever, but so 
mild in its early stages that he was not prevented, but with few 
exceptions, from attending to his professional duties, but aboift 
a week before his death. During that week his sufierings were 
great, and yet he was seldom heard to complain. " With 
strong reliance upon the Saviour, and his soul firmly stayed on 
God, he bade adieu to his family his friends and the world om 
the night of the 19th of Dec. 1839, aged 67 years, in the full 
itope of an immortality beyond the grave." 



LAWYERS IN PORTLAND. 

Ohver Overton^ son of Gen'l. Seth Overton, studied law with 
Judge Hosmer, commenced practice as soon as 1812, practised 
in Portland only one or two year?, moved to Cherry- Valley, N, 
Y., and thence to Belfonte, or Belfontaine, Ohio, where he died, 
in 1825. aged 38 years. 

Alfred Hall. See Middletown. 

22 



200 SKETCH OF PORTLAND* 

GRADUATES FROM PORTLAND, 

Li addition to those mentioned in the Address. 

Elihu Bartlett was a son of tbo Rev. Moses Bartlett, and 
graduated at Yale in 17G4. He would probably have studied 
theology had his health permitted, but was feeble several years. 
Ho settled ip East-Guilford, now Madison, where he died in 
1779, aged about 36 years. 

William Paijne. graduate of Trinity College, 1834, Tutor, a 
clergyman in Litchiield, now in Schenectady, N. Y. 

.Daniel S/icp'ierd. g;. iiduate of Trinity. 1836, clergyman and 
teacher in Delhi, N. V.. where he died, Sept. 29, 1846. 

Nathaniel Ogilvie Cornivell, Trinity, 1839, a teacher and pby- 
Bician in South America. 

Frederick Hall, graduate of Yalo, 1841, merchant. 

Richard Hurt Jarcis, Trinity, 1848, studied law in New Haven 
and New York, and is now a practitioner in the latter city. 

The question has been raised, whether Rev. Joseph Washburn 
was not a native of Portland. See list ot Middletown graduates. 



1 have already had occasion to advert to tho Quarrying busi- 
ness and the Ship-building ot this town. The quarrying busi- 
ness has excited more or less attention from nearly or quite the 
time of the first settlement of Middletown, as will be shown 
hereafter. But for some time before the incorporation of East 
jNliddletown with most of Middle Haddam and East Hampton, 
as a town, ship-building was a more engrossing concern in East 
Middletown, and was also pursued at Middle Haddam Landing. 
Hence the town was called Chatham from the importance of its 
ship-building, in allusion to Chatham in England. The name 
appeared mure and more appropriate for ycarsafter it was given 
than before. 

The first vessel built in Portland was lantiched in Oct., 1741. 
This was a schooner of 90 tons, built, as is supposed, at Lewis' 
Yard, where very many vessels have been built since that period. 
Besides merchant vessels, the following ships of war and priva- 
teers have been built in Portland at diftcrent places: 
, The Trumbull and Bourbon were built during the Revolution 
near the quarries, the former of 700 tuns, 36 guns; the latter of 
900 tuns, and intended to carry 40 guns, but not armed on ac- 
count of the ociurrence of peace. The Connecticut was built 
at Stevens' Wharf, in 1798 and 9, of 514 tuns, 20 guns. Ship, 
building was begun at Churchills Yard in 1795, and at this 
Yard the armed vessels and privateers about to be named were 
built. 1'he Holkcr was built in 1813, 350 tuns, 18 guns. This 
was driven on shore by the English at Narragansett. and lost. 
Another vessel of the same name was built in 1814, of 400 tuns, 



SKETCH OF PORTLAND. 261 

20 guns. This was cast away in a storm on tlie coast of Long 
Island. The Macedonian was built the same year, of the same 
tonnage and form, The ^aranac and the Boxer were built in 
1815, the former 373 tuns and the latter of 307, each IG guns. 
The three tirst of the above vessels, the Trumbull, Bourbon and 
the Connecticut, and the two last were built for the United 
States. In Churchill's yard 12,500 tuns of shipping were buiU 
between the beginning of 180G and the close of 1810. No ves- 
sels of war have been built in Portland since 1815. nor vessels of 
any kind to an equal amount of tonnage as bofijre. Still there 
have been built since then 104 vessels, 35 by Elizur Abbey from 
75 to 300 tuns and GO by 8. Gilderwleeve from 75 to 700 tuns. 

[n the autumn of 183G, William and Joseph J. Hcndley and 
Alexander Keith, of Middletown. and S.Gilderslceve of Portland 
built the schooner called the " William Bryan,"' which was the 
iirst vessel that ever sailed as a regular packet from New York 
to Texas. From that vessel has arisen the New York and Gal- 
veston line which now consists of live ships and two barques. 
The ships have all been built in Portland since 1847, the largest 
of which 700 tuns. 'J'hey are called after the Texan patriots, 
Stephen F, Austin, Benjamin 11. Milam, William B. Travis, 
James H. Fanning and William H. Wharton. 

Ship building as well as the quarrying business has employed 
many hands and sustained many fomilies ; and both have stimu- 
lated husbandry. In these three great branches of industry 
most of the inhabitants are now occupied, though more aac en- 
gaged in merchandise than formerly. 

In 1814 or about that time, there were but two merchant 
stores in Portland, and th« people then and many years after- 
ward resorted mainly to the city of Middletown fur dry goodtf. 
The same is done to a great extent now. But as the quarrying 
business has vastly increased within a fe>v years, stores have 
been increased in number and furnished with a greater variety 
and amount of articles. The number of stores is 8, all dealing 
in groceries and some in dry goods. 

There is also in the town s me increase of manufactures. 
About 1834 Mr. Gilbert GrisAvold began the manufiicture of 
gold and silver spectacles and employed 3 or 4 hands. He is 
now engaged principally in making gold spectacles, and also 
deals in various articles such as watches, clocks, jewelry, cutlery 
and small arms. Within a few years a cabinet shop has been 
established, there is a wagon shop, and a number of other bhopa 
have been opened in which such articles as are most needed % 
the inhabitants are either prepared, or procured elsewhere, and 
kept on hand for sale. 

And now let us turn our attention more particularly to the 
great and increasing business of the quarries. 

The first quarry in Portland was opened where the stone origi- 
nally rose high and hung shelving over the river 5 or rather 



262 SKETCH OF FORTLAJI^D^ 

perhaps for a time such stone only were taken as had been bro-^ 
ken off from the cliffs by the action of the atmosphere and were- 
throAvn about the banks. They were sought soon after Middle- 
town began to bo settled, for building and for grave-stones. 
Thus they were sought not only by the inhabitants, but by per- 
sons from other places. Soon thej began to be dug and raised 
possibly from the earth around, into which they had fallen, or 
in which they had been buried by the action of the waters of 
the river in times of freshet. Strangers thus gO't them as com- 
mon property, it Vv'ould seem, without leave fyora any one and 
without giving any thing as an equivalent. This is evident 
from a resolve of the Town passed in 1665^ "that no one should 
dig or raise stones, at the flocks, on the east side of the river, 
but an inhabitant of the Town, and- that twelve pence should be 
paid to the town, for every ton of stone takenv" As early as this 
tJiey were carried away to other places in scows or some kind of 
Vi^ater craft. By several subsequent resolves they appear to have 
been regarded as valuable and considerably sought, as is attes- 
ted too by ancient tombstones, and building stones found in va- 
rious towns, f^ow soon the high and shelving rocks were re- 
moved and efforts made to procure stone further from the river 
and below the surface of the ground it may be impracticable to 
ascertain at the present time. The Quarry thus began was at 
length disposed of by the town and passed through vari-oue- 
hands, among whom the names of Shaler & Hall are conspicu- 
ous. . They pursued the business vigorously, secured a hand- 
some profit and alter them the quarry was long called, the 
"Shaler & Hall Quarry." In this, in some places there were 
but about five feet of earth necessary to be removed to uncover 
good stone, Avhilc in other places there were four or five feet of 
shelly rock below the earth. In this quarry fur sevoral years, 
between 1810 and 20, thirty hands were employed eight mosaths 
in the year, and from four to six teams. The quantity of stone- 
prepared for market and sold to the inhabitants of thisand neigh- 
boring towns, and exported to distant parts of the country was 
then regarded as very great, though small in comparison with 
what is now prepared. 

Some fifty rods south of this quarry another quarry was open^ 
ed about 1783. There the stone were covered with about ten 
feet of earth. This was owned for a time by Hnrlburt & Rob- 
erts. About 1814 it was purchased of the heirs of Aaron Hurk 
hurt and two other persons, and deeded to Erashis and Sila.'i 
Braincnl, brothers from Middle Haddam, who carried on the bu- 
siness jointly until the death of Silas Brainerd in 1847. The 
firm now owning this quarry is styled " Bi^ainerd & Company." 
For some five years after the Brainerds began to work this quar- 
ry they employed only about 7, 8 or 10 hands and two yoke of 
oxen. 

In 1819 a quarry was opened north of the Shaler & Halli 



SKETCH OF PORTLAND. 263 

Quarry by the name of "Patten & Russell Quarry," afterwards 
known as the " Russell & Hall Quarry," until tlio year 1841, 
when It wasuulted with the Sluiler & Mall Quarry, and the own- 
ers were incorporated by the Legislature of the State by the 
name ot the " Middlesex Qiuirry Compriny:'' 
. Some years afterward an opening was made below the Brain- 
erd Quarry, near the ferry from Middlctown to Portland, be- 
longing to the Shaler & Hall Company, but which since the in- 
corporation of the Middlesex Quarry Company, is called the 
"Shaler & Hall Quarry." 

The three quarries now spoken of stretch northward from near 
I the ferry and a little back from the river three fourths of a mile, 
tL^- and the space between them and the river is generally levelled: 
■ all along against these the bank of the river is a good wharf, 
i rising from the river at an angle of about forty-five degrees, to 
•^ which vessels draw up, unload and receive their burthens. 'J he 
stone found in them, spreads beyond the opening in different di- 
rections, has been discovered northward and southward in sink-' 
iug drills, and to a greater distance eastward in the same way 
and by souKi small openings. Wherever found it possesses the 
same general properties, and lies in nearly horizontal strata with a 
southern dip. 

The stone are not perfectl3'' solid in the quarries, but become 
more so generally in large masses as they arc penetrated down- 
ward. They are found in layers from tivo to eighteen feet in' 
thickness, varying from twentt/ to one hundred in w^idth and in 
length from Jiftu to one hundred and fifty ; their direction is 
from north east to west. 

The stone has been rising in estimation and favor with the 
public for many years and very rapidly for a lew years; its firm- 
ness, durability and susceptibility of receiving and retaining' 
^- polish are well attested. When indeed the stone began to be 
used, when quarrymen did not well understand their work, 
when they were picked up from the surface of the ground, or 
taken very near it, now and then a perishable stone may have 
found its way to market, though instances of this kind are be- 
lieved to have been rare. Some chemists, who have analyzed 
the stone, have pronounced it to be equal in durability to gran- 
ite itself. 

In 1836 an association formed in Hartford, undertook to re- 
* pair " the waste of time and accident among the monuments, 
erected as memorials of their deceased ancestors" in the old 
grave yard in that city, which had been abandoned about thir- 
ty years. 

In doing this, all the monuments were reset, in number about 
five hundred, and the tables many of which had been suffered to 
fall were rebuilt, supported by solid masonry, and where the 
monuments were broken they were repaired by being fastened 
with iron clamps. They of courcc had a very favorable oppor- 

« 22 



264 SKETCH OF PORTLAICD. 

tunity to see the wastes of time and accident on the monuments. 
During the Revolutionary War some use was made of the Bol- 
ton stone: These had decayed somewhat in the ground. All 
or nearly all the marble monuments of 30 years standing, by 
the effects of the climate and the weather, were very much de- 
cayed ; the upper parts of them being decomposed and crumb- 
ling to pieces. It was found very difficult to repair such of them 
as were broken, as they were not strong enough to bear the force 
of drilling. A large proportion of the monuments were of the 
Portland freestone. Some of these were over the graves of such 
as had been dead 190 years and were not in the least affected 
by the weather, nor had any of this description been injured by 
the seasons." 

Thetse monuments were doubtless generally put up soon after 
the death of the person whose names they were designed to per- 
petuate. It is hardly possilfle that testimony more unexception- 
able than this, could be given. 

The obelisk erected in the old cemetery, in connection with 
these repairs, is wisely built therefore of the Portland stone, 
bearing the venerated names of the early settlers of Hartford ; 
and so is the block, sent from Connecticut to grace the monu- 
ment, now in the process of erection in Washington, in honor of 
the Father of our Country. This is already placed in the great 
and imposing structure. 

Calls are perpetually made for this stone from different parts 
of our country to be used in large public buildings, and in the 
mansions of the wealthy, or for the fronts and ornamental parts 
of such edifices, also for the fronts of stores. And while two 
years since the companies were unable to meet the demand, it 
is happy that by a more perfect division as well as by an increase 
of labor, and other expedients, they are able now to comply with 
the applications made to them In 1850, the number of men em- 
ployed in the three quarries was about 900, and 100 j^oke of ox- 
en. Thirty vessels were employed in carrying away stone reg- 
ularly, varying trom 75 to 150 tuns, making each from 20 to 
30 trips in a season. Large quantities were also carried away 
in other vessels not belonging to the regular line and in scows. 
In the companies' vessels they were carried to New York and 
sold to persons there or to persons coming there from other 
places, who carried them away in vessels at their own charge. 
The more common practice has been for the vessels of the com- 
pany merely to deliver the stone. New York excepted, at some 
of our large cities. New York, Albany, Philadelphia and Boston 
have been the principal markets. With respect to Boston, 
however and other eastern ports, the stone have been carried to 
them in vessels hired by the purchasers, as is also the case with 
many cargoes carried up the Hudson river and to ports south of 
New York. In 1851 a greater number of men and teams were em- 
ployed than in 1850. This year (1852) the regular workmen are 



SKETCH OF PORTLAND. 265 

about 1200 in the quarries; about 200 more work on contract 
and are engaged in removing the surface of the earth and in 
clearing away rubbish. Within a year 12 new vessels from 
120 to 200 tuns, carpenter's measure, have been purchased for 
transporting stone. A steam-boat also was built the last spring 
owned by tlie Middlesex Quarry Company, and I'rainerd & Co., 
to tow quarry vessels up and down ihe Connecticut river, which 
enables the vessels to make more trips. 

In some way or other the stone are carried to very many pla- 
ces in the country — some to very distant places, a few have been 
carried to Milwaukie, in Wisconsin, some even to San Fran- 
cisco. 

Until a period comparatively* recent, efi<jrts in all the quarries 
were confined to stone lying above the ordinary surface of the 
river, but now stone are taken many feet below it, and the opin- 
ion is somewhat current in th6 surrounding community that the 
further down the quarries are penetrated the better are the 
stones. The Middlesex, and the Shaler & Hall Quarries have 
each a steam engine of 40 horse power; and the Brainerd 
Quarry, has two engines, one of 40 horse power and another of 
about 17, by which the water accumulated in the quarries is 
pumped out every morning, and by which the stone are raised. 
In and around these quarries a scene of activity is seen from 
day to day, from Monday morning until Saturday night, beyond 
what is seen within any equal space in the count}', and tlie 
people near, all feel the influence of this activity and enterprise. 
It is seen in the rise of real estate, in the erection of new build- 
ings, in the improved gardens and grounds. 

While the quarrying operations are giving subsistence to ma- 
ny families, some Irish, some Scotch, some American and recent- 
ly some English, they are as already'' noticed, stimulating trade 
and agriculture, as these families need a large amount of arti- 
cles wliieh merchants have to sell, and which farmers can raise. 
The teams too used about the quarries make a demand for hay 
straw and provender, and of the latter article far more than is now 
furnished in the vicinity. 

As for the curious subject of birds tracks, found in these quar- 
ries, as they have been at other localities of free stone above on 
the river as far north as Turner's Falls, they must be left for il- 
lustration to those who have more time to spare for investigation 
than the writer. 

The wonders of Job's Pond, so called because the pcnd is 
found on land formerly owned by Job Payne, if the facts asser- 
ted about it be admitted, constitute a more difficult subject of 
solution. This is against the straits, and about two miles in cir- 
cumference. It is from 40 to 60 feet deep and has no outlet. — 
It rises and falls as much as fifteen feet, but not from such cau- 
ses as affect other ponds. It is often the highest in the dryesfc 
season of the year and lowest in the wettest season. When it 



266 SKETCH OF PORTLAND. 

begins to rise, it rises regularly for six or twelve months and 
then falls for about the same periods. 

There are in Portland 7 district schools, and the children in 
the districts between the ages of 4 and IG, as enumerated in 1851, 
were 621. In the two largest schools the older and younger 
scholars are instructed by diflerent teachers in separate depart- 
ments, an arrangement favorable to the more rapid improvement 
of both. 

The oldest grave yard in the town, near the quarries, was laid 
out Jan. 13, 1713, the new yard as it is called, near the Central 
Church was laid out in 17G7- a third yard back of the Episco- 
pal Church was laid out in 1825, or about that time. In this 
any persons may bury their dead, whatever be the religious de- 
nomination to which they belong. 



PORTLAND POST-OFFICE, ESTABLISHED IN 

1827. 

This office has been kept by the following persons : — 
George B. Smith, from 1827 till June 20, 1833. 

His widow, Anne B. Smith, " June 20 1833 till Feb. 3, 1844. 
Charles Henry Sage, '' Feb. 3 1844 till Apr. 11, 1849. 

John Payne, from April 11, 1849, till his death July 21; 1852. 
Wm. S. Strickland, '• July 21, 1852. 

The notice of justices of the peace who lived in Portland, be- 
fore the adoption of the present constitution of the State, will be 
found in connection with justices then in other parts of Chat- 
ham. 



SKETCH OP CHATHAM. 

Including the greater part of Middle Haddam Society^ 
the whole of East Hampton^ and a small section of the 
Society of Westchester in Colchester, 



Middle Haddam Society includes Haddam Neck, apart of the 
town of Haddam, and stretches along the eastern bank of the 
Connecticut from Portland to near East Haddam Landing, ter- 
minating there in a point between the Connecticut and Salmon 
river. The Chatham part of Middle Haddam is generally verv 
uneven, (as is true of Haddam Neek.) much of it rough and 
Btoney ; and on the north against the Straits, it is mountainous. 
Still very considerable portions of the land in the vicinity of the 
Connecticut possess a tstrong soil • most is capable of cultivation 
and the rest generally is valuable for pasturage or wood. The in- 
habitants have always had great advantages from the river^ 
some from the shad fishery and for a long time from the salmon 
fishery, more from ship-building, and some from navigation. 

Before any English settlements were made in this parish^ 
there were stories going abroad of great mineral riches in Great 
Hill, on its northern border. These stories arose from the visits 
and investigation of the elder Gov. Winthrop there, though 
very little was known by the people as to what discoveries he 
ckotwaWj iiicidc. Of thla hill,a.ud Iio luliic uouull^y called the "'Cobalt 
Mine," we shall have occasion to speak more particularly hereaf- 
ter. 

About 1710 a family by the name of Gofie settled south of 
Middle Haddam Landing, who were the first Enghsh inhabit- 
ants in Middle Haddam. Capt. Cornelius Knowles, an early 
and respectable settler, built a house afterwards at the Landing 
directly upon the bank of the river, from whom that place and 
and the surrounding neighborhood was long called Knowles' 
Landing. There and on the rising grounds in different direc- 
tions, other families settled. These sustained themselves in part 
by what they obtained from the river and by means of it ; but 
principally by subduing the forests and cultivating the earth 
for some 40 or 50 years, when ship-building came gradually to 
their aid. This business was probably begun as early as 1758. 
The first ship was built there in 1763 ; and from that time ship- 
building was carried on generally for more than 40 years and at 
times to a great extent, though we are unable to specify exactly 
the number and the tunnage of the vessels then built. Business 
■was drawn thither from the southern and eastern parts oi 
Chatham and somewhat from Marlborough and Hebron. Froift 



268 SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 

1805 to the close of 1838, notwithstanding the embarrassments 
connected with the second war with Great Britain, 51 ships 
were built, 24 brigs, 21 schooners, and 15 sloops, amounting in 
all to 27,430 tuns. Thomas Child, now approaching 90 years 
of age, states that he has been the master-builder of 237 vessels, 
and that he built the most of them at this place. For some ten 
or eleven years prior to 1851, ship-building was wholly aban- 
doned ; but in that year one vessel was built, and it is hoped 
that the business will he renewed ere long and flourish. 

The Landing was more advanced by this business than by any 
thing else ; though some of the inhabitants for many years had 
a considerable share in commerce, owned vessels, and followed 
a sea-fiiring life as officers or sailors. But with the loss of the 
West India trade from the river, navigation from this place was 
very much diminished 

In 1819 the village contained sixtv or seventy dwelling houses. 
f(mr stores, and some mechanic shops. It now contains, regard- 
ing the village as co-extensive with the school districts, seventy- 
three houses, four stores, and seven mechanics shops. There'is 
also within its limits, on Taylors Creek, a foundry for the cast- 
ing of house and sleigh bells, emplo3^ing about five men ; a shop 
recently built, with the needed apparatus for pulverizing and 
cleansing ore from Great-Hill, and aL«o near by a laboratory and 
smelting works for extracting from it its valuable contents, and 
four oakum factories, usually employing twenty-five hands. 

The early inhabitants who lived in the Chatham part of Mid- 
dle Haddam, la'.ored under great disadvantages for attending 
public worship, whether they undertook to work their way 

through crooked paChs over th« 13 trait- III lies tu the JSciuutuiny in 
Portland ; or, availing themselves of the Connecticut in the mild 
seasons of the year, went as for as they could in boats towards 
that sanctuary, or thus went to the churches in Middletown and 
Haddam. The people on Haddam Neck also, though living 
against Haddam Town, often found it difficult to cross the river. 
Nor were the people of both sections conveniently situated for 
meeting together, within their own limits, not so much from 
their distant scattered dwellings, as from the hilliness and rough- 
ness of the country, and the badness of the roads. But it being 
more convenient for them to meet together 'ban to worship 
where they had done, they united, in Oct. 1738, in a petition to 
the Legislature for incorporation as a parish, and their request 
Wcis granted in May 1740. 

The petitioners north of the Neck were 26, and their names 
were Henry Atkins, Richard Bonfoey, Ebenezer, Jonathan and 
Nathaniel Burr, Edward Bill, Ebenezer Dart [a settler from New 
London], James Fowrey, Ephraim Fuller. Nathaniel Goss, Ben- 
jamin Harris, David Hebbard. John and Thomas Hubbard, Da- 
vid Hurlburt, Jun., Josiah Johnson, James Pelton, Noah Phelps, 
Thomas Rich, Benjamin and Ebenezer Smith, Samuel, Nathaniel 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 260 

«iYld Jolin Spencer, George Stocking; and John Swaddle. 'J'lie 
lists of these petitioners junountod to £1,582 2. There were 
throe other inhabitants, Joshua Brainerd, Joshua Luther and 
Moses Rowley, having together a list of cC109 8, who for some 
reason did not unite in the petition. 

The petitioners on the Neck were 12, viz. : Joshua ArnoM, 
William, .janie?, Abijah, Josiah, Nathan and Benjamin Brainerd, 
William Markum, Alexander Peterson, Ebenexer and David 
Smith, and John Stocking. The lists of all these is not known ; 
but it is believed that tliey AA^ero somewhat more in proportion 
to their number than the lists of those from the other part of 
Middle Haddam. U he list of William Brainerd alone in 1739, 
it is ascertained, was c€lC8 14. 

The ancestors of the Freemans, Hurds, Higginsesand Young?, 
vrho united with the foregoing settlers, were from Barnstable 
connty in Massachusetts. About 1750, John Eddy, from Nor- 
ton, in the game state, Samuel Daniels, a native of Colchester, 
find a few other.'^, settled in the cast part of the parish. 

The church was organized Sept. 24, 1740, and consisted of 13 
male members, 7 of whom lived on the Neck. 

Rev. Benjamin Bowers, a native of Billerica, Mass., and gradu- 
ate of Harvard College 1733, wa,s ordained and settled as their 
pastor at the same time. 

At the time of this organization the people had no house 
erected for public worship, and must have met in a school-house 
or private dwelling. 1'hey had no village nor densely settled 
neighborhood, to plead on the ground of numbers and property, 
for its location in the mdst of their dwellings. KnoAvles's Land- 
ing, now Middle liaddam Landing, indeed began to be a place 
of some business not long afterward; but it did not attain its 
present size till that generation, and many of succeedings ones 
had gone to the grave. The people therefore united in a local 
centre, or one that was nearly so, and built a meeting-house in 
1744, 44 feet by 36, in which they worsliipped until 1712 ; teve- 
ral years longer than they would have done had they been 
united in views as to the site of a second Meeting-house. 

Mr. Bowers died May 11, 1761, aged 45, having obtained the 
reputation of a pious and faithful minister. 

Jiev. Benjamin Boar<Jman_ a native of VVestfield in Middletown, 
a graduate of Yale 1758. Dean scholar and tutor in that it'stitu- 
tion. was ordained Jan. 5, 17G2: In his ministry, if not before, 
fiome families, living on Moromus street, on the West side of the 
Conne.'ticut and near its bank, became accustomed to attend 
worship more or less in Middle Haddam : and in Jan. 1775 the 
First Society granted them liberty to pay half their society tax 
into the treasury of Middle Haddam. The heads of these fami- 
lies were Israel Carrier, Francis Clarke, John Cone, Simeon and 
Richard Morgan, Stephen and John Sears, Samuel Simmons and 
John Swaddle. During this year Mr, Boardman went as chap- 



*270 SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 

lain v,'ith a company of cavalry to the vicinity of Boston. He 
was chaplain there, daring that year, for a number of months. 
Difficulties afterwards arising between him and his people^ trom 
two or three causes, he was dismissed in 1783. On the 5th of 
May in the following year he was installed pastor of the South 
church in Hartford, where he died Feb. 12, 1810, aged 70. 

Rev. David Seklen, native of Haddam Neck, graduate of Yale 
1782. studied theology with Dr. Lockwood of Andover, Conn, 
and was licensed to preach by Hartford South Association, June 
3, 1783. Soon after this lie preached in Hebron and was invited 
to settle as colleague with Dr. Pon^eroyj he preached also in 
other places, but was settled in Middle Haddam Oct. 19, 1785, 
Yi'here he died in office, esteemed by hi^ people and his brethren 
in t! e ministry, Jan. 18, 1825, aged 64. 

Rev. Charles Bentley, native of New Marlborough, ? lass, grad- 
uate of Amherst College. 1824, was ordained successor to Mr. 
Selden Feb. 15, 182G and dissmissed May 22, 1833. Since his 
dissmission Mr Bentley has been settled at Salmon Brook, in 
Granby, in Harwinton, and in Green's Farms, in Fairfield, where 
lie is now pastor. 

Rev. Stephen A. Loper, native of Guilford and graduate of Ban- 
gor Theological Seminary, was first settled in Hampden, a little 
below the city of Bangor, in Maine. He was installed in Mid- 
dle Haddam June 11, 1834 and dismissed Nov. 1, 1841. He was 
afterwards settled in Hadlyme several years ; but since July 1, 
1850 lias preached to the congregation in Higganum in Haddam. 

In the interval between the dismission of Mr. Loper from 
Middle Haddam, and the settlement of another pastor, the peo- 
ple were supplied by Rev. William Case^ who had been pastor of 
the church in Chester, by Mr. Samuel Moselij, a candidate for 
the ministry, since dead, and by Rev. Philo Jiulsorij who had 
been pastor of the church in Ashford and of the church in 
North Stonington. 

Rev. James Colburn Jioup;hton, native of Lyndon, Vt., but who 
spent most of his youth in Putney in that State, graduate of 
Dartmouth College 1837, and who studied theology in East 
Windsor, was installed at Storrsville, now Dana, Mass. Dee. 23, 
1840. After leaving that place, he preached as stated supply 
in East Hartland, and in Granby. Ccnn. for a short time. He 
began to preach in Middle Haddam in May 1847 and was in- 
stalled there on the 15th of Sept. following. He was dismissed 
from this charge the 1st. of Norembcr 1850, and installed over 
the South Church in New Hartford Dec. 31, 1851. 

Rev. William Stura;ess Wright, native of Glastenbury and 
graduate of Yale College 1839, who studied theology two years 
in New Haven, and taught the Academy in Cromwell 5 years, 
lias been stated supply in Middle Haddam since Jan. 1851. Ho 
was ordained after he commenced services in this place^ but not 
installed as pastor. 



I 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 



2Y1 



Elected. 
Nov. 8, 1740. 



DEACONS IN THE CHURCH. 

Died or moved away. 
Feb. 11, 1752 
1772 
1775. 
1774. 
1837. 
1795, 
Moved to IjikUow, Mass. 

" L. I. died at Brooklyn. , 
July 22, 1831. 
Moved to Middlctown, 1849 
" " " 1839 

Moved to Stonington, 1841 



1 Mar. 


14 


1748. 


1 Nov. 


27 


, 1771. 


1 " 


(( 


C( 


June 


1, 


1774. 


Dec. 


10, 


1795. 


July 


27, 


1810. 


Sept. 


18, 


1818. 


June 

it. 




1827 


Jan . 


3, 


1840. 


.Tune 


30, 


1843. 


June 


29, 


1849, 



Mar. 
Apr. 
May 
Apr. 

Nov. 



11, 

27, 

7, 
25, 



81 

75 
43 

93 

52 



J^hcnczer Smith, 

Gideon Arnold, 

Benjamin Harris, 

Daniel Arnold, 

Ezra Brainerd, Es(^ 

David Smith, 

DrTlios. Brainerd, 

Selden Gates, 

Jes.sc Hard, Sept. 18, 1818. July 22,1831. " €6 

Edward Koot, 

Levi Mitchell, 

Samuel B. Butler, 

David Dickinson, 

Anson Strong, 

Thos« whose names are in italics lived in the Chatham part of 
Middle Haddam. 

It has been stated that the number of members in the church, 
at its formation Avas 13. 

Mr. Bovvers, admitted, 171. 

Mr. Boardman, " 162. 

Mr. Selden, « 221. 

Mr. Bentley, ''• 05^ 

Mr. Loper, " Id^ 

The number admitted since Mr. Loper's dismission, is 44. 



725.. 



The number of communicants Jan. 1. 1852, is not ascertained, 
but the'number reported to the Gen. Association for Jan. 1. 1851, 
was 133. 

The 2d Meeting-house, to which reference has been made* 
was built in 1812 and is 50 feet by 40. 

The society own a parsonage. They have also two pieces o^ 
land, given by the late Dea. Ezra Brainerd, worth about $200^ 
the rents of which are about 9 or 10 dollars annually. 

The annual average of contributions by the people for public 
benevolent objects for the last five years has not been less than 
$1G0. During the three years of Mr. Houghton's ministry they 
were not less than $200 per year. 



:episcopal church at middle haddam 

LANDING. 

A small Episcopal Church was formed in the eastern part of 
Middle Haddam in 1771, which held meetings a few years and 
was dissolved. Their house of worship built in 1772, 26 feot b^ 
24, was taken down. 

The church at the Landing was formed April 25, 1785, and 
their church edifice was built in 1786 or 7, 47 feet by 36. Thd 
church belonged to the care of Mr. Jarvis of Middletown until 

23 



272 < SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 

1791. The two succeeding years Rev. lilloison Bronson, after- 
wards preceptor of Cheshire Academy, divided his labors equal- 
ly between this church and the church in Portland, and then 
they reverted to the care of Mr Jarvis. From 1795 or 6 till 
1810 Rev. M. Smith Miles, ministered here one halt of the time. 
From l?>ll till IS21 Rev. Jasper D. Jones ministered here one 
third or fourth of the time, with the exception of about two 
years, (1815 and 16, it is believed,) when the church was sup- 
plied by Rev. Solomon Blakeslee, and Rev. R. Ives. Mr. Jones 
was succeeded by Rev. Nathan Burgess, who preached here a 
quarter of the time in 1822 and 3. He removed to Vermont. 
Rev. Edward T. Ives, born and educated in Cheshire, and who 
studied theology in New Haven, took charge of the parish about 
two years. He removed to Peckskill, N. Y. From 1825 to 
1826 Rev. Orson V. Howell, then connected with the Military 
Academy in IVIiddlctown, ministered to the parish one half the 
time. From 1826 to 1829 or 30, Rev A.shbel Steel, a native of 
Waterbury, educated at Cheshire j^ cademy, a very devoted aud 
good man, ministered to the people. Rev. Alphcus Gecr, became 
rector in 1831 and preached to them till the spring of 1837, be- 
ing connected during that period with the church fn Hebron. 
Rev. Jaincs Sunderland, came into the parish in 1837 and preach- 
ed till the spring of 1838. He was succeeded by George Augus- 
tus Sterling who preached two years. He was a native of Sha- 
ron, educated at West Point, and studied theology in New York 
city. Rev. Benjamin S. Huntington took charge of the parish 
July 5, 1840, and resigned in the autumn of 1811. He studied 
theology in New York, and it is believed was born and educa- 
ted classically in that city. Rev. Charles W. Bradlcij, preached 
in Middle Haddam about 5 months in the close of 1841 and be- 
ginning of 1842. He is a native of New Haven, has been Sec- 
retary of State of Connecticut, and is now a consul in China. 
Rev. Sijlvester Nask succeeded him in May 1842 and resigned 
Nov. 1, 1845. He is a native of Ellington. His classical educa- 
tion was private — his theological at the P. Episcopal Seminary 
in New Haven and New York, being a member of it at its remo- 
val. Rev. F. B Woodward took charge of the parish in April 
1846 and is the present rector. He became first a physician, 
and still practices medicine. His theological education was in 
the Eastern Diocese while under the supervision of Bishop Gris- 
wold. 

The number of communicants in this church prior to 1840 
cannot be definitely ascertained. The correspondent who has 
furnished many of the foregoing facts thinks it safe to put the 
average at 50. There were 51 in May 1842 ; the number Jan. 
1, 1852 was from 40 to 45. 

Contributions arc taken up in the church for the Bible Socie- 
ty and Tract cause, and for Missions, Domestic and Foreio-n. 
To the Bible and Tract cause $150 are given annually 3 though 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 273 

in justice it should be added that the greater part of all the coif- 
tributions are given by three or four individuals. 

METHODISTS IN MIDDLE HADDAM, CHAT- 
HAM PART. 

They held meetings here as early as 1702, and in 179G or 7 
built them a small church at the Landing, 24 feet by 23 At 
one time they had fifty communicants, but the number of pro- 
fessors among them atterwards greatly diminished; for some 
time their church has been closed. 



I have already said that v,^e should have occasion to speak 
more particularly of Great Hill and its Cobalt Mine. The 
situati(m of this hill, the size of which is indicated by its name, 
is towards the northwest corner of Middle Haddam Society. 
That the elder Gov. Winthrop believed that there were mines 
and minerals in Middletown, and that he had become so convin- 
ced of their value as to think seriously of setting up works for 
imnroving them, is evident from the following grant made to him 
a tew years after the first settlement of Middletown'. 

" The inhabitants of Middletown, for the encouragement of 
the designs of our much honored governor, Mr. John Winthrop, 
for che discovery of mines and minerals, and for the setting up 
of such works as shall be needful fur the improvement of them^ 
do hereby grant unto oui said much honored governor any 
profitable mines or minerals that he shall find or discover upon 
any common land within the bounds of our Town, and such 
woodland as may be convenient for the use of the same, to the 
value of 500 or 1,000 acres, as it may lie so that it be not near- 
er than two or three miles from the present dwelling houses of 
the Town, as the Town shall judge to be least prejudicial to 
themselves for their necessary fire-wood, provided the Town 
shall have free liberty of commonage, as far as our Town 
bounds go, until the improvers shall see good to impropriate the 
same with inclosures — provided further, that said governor, and 
such as may be co-improvers with him, will set up the works to 
improve such mines and minerals as he shall find, within these 
5 years and let us know whether he doth accept of this our 
grant within two years ; and so it be to him and his heirs and 
associates from the time of setting up such works, else at two or 
five years, and to be in the liberty of the Town to grant the 
same to any other. May 25. 16G1." 

At the time of this grant the people of Middletown dwelt 
mostly within the limits of the city, and in the lower part of the 
present village of Cromwell. There is no probability that Mr. 
Winthrop had any very strong impression of finding valuable 
mines and minerals, excepting on the hills near the Straits, where 



274 SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 

lead on the west side of the Connecticut, and cobalt on the eastern 
were afterwards more seriously sought, and these localities were 
sufficiently away from the existing settlements. That his 
thoughts were mainly, if not entirely, turned to Great Hill, is 
probable from thfi fact that this Hill was long called the "■ Gov- 
ernofs Gold Ririg,''^ a name derived from the impression which 
people around had, that the governor, from explorations and la- 
bors there, had actually found gold, which might at least b3 
made into rings. From the correspondence of the governor 
with learned men in England, it is possible that some knowl- 
edge of this locality crossed the Atlantic in his time. 

Be this as it may, no considerable efforts appear to have been 
made to find gold or any other mineral in this hill, for about a 
century after this grant was made. . But about 17G2 Dr. John 
Sebastian Stephauney, a German, employed a number of men, 
and made a horizontal opening into the hill in search of hid 
treasures. He continued his exertions but a short time. About 
1770 he renewed them, in connection with two other Germans, 
John Knool and Gominus Erkelens ; but at length it appears that 
he made over the management of the concern to his associates, 
reserving to himself only a portion of the profits, and there 
was an agreement that what metals and minerals were sent to 
Great Britain should be consigned to KnooVs friends, and those 
sent to Holland to Erkelens'. A large opening was made into 
the hill, and the superincumbent matter was prevented by stan- 
chions from falling upoa the laborers. Many casks of ore were 
obtained and sent to Europe, and it is probable some were car>- 
ried to China. But as all the persons, laborers as well as prin- 
cipals, were foreigners, and as the ore was exported, little was 
known of its character or value. Various conjectures were 
made as to what it contained ; the better informed, however, be- 
lieved that Cobalt was the object sought. Erkelens seems final- 
ly to have been the principal manager. This appears from a 
passage in the diary of Pres. Stiles of Yale College. The presi- 
dent writes : 

"1787. Jan. 1. Mr. Erkelens visited me, full of his Cobalt 
mine and China voyage. He some years ago bought the Gov- 
ernor's Ring, as it is called, or a mountain in the N. W. corner 
of East Haddam, [Middle Haddam,] comprehending about 800 
acres, or about a square mile area. Here he finds plenty of 
Cobalt, which he manut'ictures into smalt, with which is made 
the beautiful blue on China ware, &c." 

" Gov. Trumbull has often told me that this was the place to 
which Gov. VVinthrop of N. London used to resort with his .ser- 
vant, and after spending three weeks in the woods of this moun- 
tain, in roasting ores and assaying metals and casting gold ringy 
he used to return home to New London with plenty of gold. 
Hence this is called the Gov. VVinthrop's ring to this day. Gov. 
Winthrop was an adept, in intimate correspondence v.'ith Sir 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 275 

Kenelm Digby, and the first chemical and philosophical charac- 
ters of the last century — as may be seen in the dedication of 40th 
vol. Phil. Transactions 1740." 

'' Mr. Krkelens about 1775 being a projector, erected a distil- 
ery in Haddam [Middle-Haddam,"] G miles from Middletown, on 
a stream, descending from this mountain — he also purchased the 
Cobalt mine there. He has been at £2,000, sterling expense to 
no profit. He is going on a voj'age to China, carrying with him 
20 tuns of Cobalt ore.''* 

Much is recorded on the books of the Town of Chatham re- 
specting the lands which Erkelens secured. 

His object in building a distillery probably was, as at that 
time the regular trade with the West Indies was liable to be 
greatly interrupted, that he might supply his workmen more 
conveniently with a beverage which they loved, and have 
wherewithal to supply exposed and sufiering soldiers, who, in 
the current opinion of that period, v/ould hardly be expected to 
live and fight bravely, without the aid and stimulus of strong 
drink. 

Whether he actually carried his Cobalt ore to China in 1787, 
or soon after, and if he did, how it was disposed of, we ;ire not 
informed. l)Ut from the time he left, operations at the mine 
were suspended, and nothing more was done there for about 30 
years. The opening in the hill remained a considerable period, 
but at length the stanchions giving way, the mass above fell and 
filled it 

When Pres. Stiles visited the hill in 1787, he sketched the 
Governors Gold Ring, and a map showing the country from 
New London to Middle-Haddam and Middletown. f This he 
was doubtless prompted to do by the prospect which Great Hill 
afi'orded, which strictly considered is a hill of no inconsiderable 
size and elevation, resting on the range of the Strait Hills. The 
Cobalt mine is near die bottom of this hill, running so far as 
discovered a aho'-t distance from it, taking a semicircular course 
in accordance with its form, beginning at the west south-west 
anil gradually bending round towards the south and south-east, 
being at an elevation on the range of hills of about 400 feet 
above the level of the Connecticut, the top of the hill, rising two 
or three hundred feet more. From the summit the view waB 
fine in all directions then, except the north-eaht where a range 
of hills stretches far into the interior. It is finer now, as the 
lands are more generally cleared, ard the country more densely 
settled. Besides the windings of the river directly under the 
eye, you often see vessels moving upon it propelled by wind and 
steam, and on the numerous hills and ranges of hills on either side, 
many churches and habitations of men. In a clear day. Long 

* Literary Diary of Pres. Stiles, Ms. v. 13, p. 34. 
t Idem, p. 35. 
*23 



276 SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 

Island Sound with its moving navigation^ and Long Island shore 
are distinctly visible. Not far from you, you contemplate the 
birth-place of David BrainenI, and very near yoa the birth-place 
oi James Brainerd Taylor, while in the line towards N. London 
you have the birth-place oi Dr. Emmons, and further on that ot 
Dr. Griffin ; and in the entiie view the birth-places, or residen- 
ces, of many other men. distinguished in their day, some in civil 
and some in military life. This prospect alone is worth a visit 
to Great Hill, and if persons wish to ramble, a mile and half east 
of this hill is Clark's Hill, from Avhich the Sound can be seen. 

But as to the Mine, Mr. Seth Hunt, from Nev/ Hampshire, 
commenced operations at Great Hill in the autumn of 1818 and 
continued them about two years. Anticipating great result!-', 
he expended liberally and exhausted his own resources. In 
these circumstances he sold interests in v.'hat he had done and 
obtained, say one sixteenth to one friend and one eighth to an- 
other, until he had gathered around him six associates, only one 
of whom is now living. Tliis survivor states that Mr. Hunt ex- 
perded about ^'20,000 ; tliat his main outlay in mining was in 
following the vein opened by the Germans downwards, but tliat 
he also opened the earth and traced near a quarter of a mile 
eastward, wher-e he found more mica and the absence of horn- 
blend, and that he expended much in repairing the o!d glass 
iurnace in Giastenbury and in fitting it to smelt, in carting ore 
thither, (where most was sent,) stamping it by hand and re- 
ducing by potash. This survivor further states, that though 
Mr. Hunt read books on mining, he did not well understand his 
work, and that he doubts whether the man on whom he relied 
for chemical and scientific information, knew more than he did 
himself; that he obtained as he supposed 1000 lbs. of Cobalt 
which was proved in England to be nickel, containing from 3 to 
4 parts of Cobalt. This proof induced an entire suspension of 
operations. 

In the summer of 1844 the mine was openetl again by Prof. 
Shepherd, author of the " Report on the Geologio^l Survey of 
Connecticut." He employed only a few hands for a short time 
but what disposition he made of the ore, and what discoveries 
he or others obtained from it, have not been ascertained, ^nd it 
is a remarkable fact, after all that has been done at difierent 
periods in and about Great Hill by the first Gov. VVinthrop, by 
the Germans, Mr. Hunt and Prof. Shepherd, that so little is 
really known to the public as yet as to the worth of the miner- 
als, and whether the mine can be so wrought as to render much 
profit to the undertakers. It is evident however that rhe great 
object which has been sought is Cobalt, which has long been 
the name of the supposed mine. 

" Cobalt," says Prof Johnston of the Wesleyan University, "is 
a rare metal and is not used in the arts in a' metallic state, but 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 2TT 

its oxid is used largely in preparing the beautiful blue coluring 
matter for painting glass and porcelain ware." 

" This locality,'' (the one about Great Hill) he adds, "is tho 
only one known in this country, where this peculiar ore of tho 
metal is obtained, but in two or three places the oxid is found 
associated with oxid of manganese. At mine La Motte in Mis- 
souri it occurs in sufficient quantity to be extracted from tho 
ore for use in the arts." 

In March 1850, Mr. Edmund Brown in conjunction with some 
friends began operations about the base of (ireat Hill, a little 
eastward from the place where the previous operations had been 
made. He employed many hands and sunk a shtift, 7 by 0, 38 
feet deep, and wrought from the .shaft for some 50 to 00 feet, 
and took from the opening a large amount of ore. They then 
commenced a tunnel seven hundred feet east of the shaft at a 
ravine, and proceeded with it some 35 feet westerly with a view 
of meeting the opening from the shaft, in the meanwhile putting 
up the stamping works, laboratory and smelting works already 
mentioned. But after doing thus much, in the course of fifteen 
months, and expending a large amount of money, the company 
failed, or stopped operations, and Mr. Brown has since died. 

Dr. Franckfort, a French physician and chemist, mentioned on 
page ICO of this work, was employed sometime in examining 
and testing the ore taken from about the shaft, befjre the com- 
pany tailed, and he is full in the opinion that a leader only was 
struck and not the vein, though he thinks he has discovered the 
vein himself. But the leader contains an ore of Cobalt, which 
he analysed, and as his analysis has been pronounced correct 
by some of the best chemists, I am authorized to publish it in his 
o-wn words. "Analysis of an ore found in Chatham, Middlesex 
County, Conn, by E. Franckfort, M. D." 

Arsenic, 80,04 

Sulphur, 4,47 

Iron, 0,03 

Cobalt 2,50 

Nickel, 3,75 

Bismuth trace. — 

00,70 
From this analysis he observes, that the ore is, properly speak- 
ing, an arsensical pyrites containing some cobalt and nickel and 
not a cobalt ore." 

In a communication by Dr. Franckfort from which a quota- 
tion is made in connection with his name, he observes in regard 
to operaticms made about Great Hill by the Germans and others 
prior to Mr. Brown, that they "worked in the micaceous shalo 
of that region, with a view of obtaining the smaltine or Cobalt 
Pyrites, a silvery white fine grained ore found here. The black 
peroxyd of Cobalt, extensively used in tho manufacture of bluo 
pottery, fine smalt, &c. &e. was the object which those who 



278 SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 

mined here wished to prepare. This mineral, he adds, is very 
rare in the United States and there is no doubt whatever that 
the reguhir vein of it, which the writer, [Dr. Franckfort,] thinks 
to have discovered, will pay amply for mining. There has also, 
formerly, a mineral of copper red color, called Copper Nickel, 
been found, but I have never been able to discover a vestige of 
it, though looking after it diligently. Nickel is a metal used 
in the manufacture of German Silver." 

It is understood that the regular vein, believed to contain much 
more Cobalt than the leader which Mr. Brown struck, will soon 
be opened again, and it is hoped for the benefit ol the community 
as well as that of the undertakers, that the next effort will ba 
attended v.'ith great and known success. 



PHYSICIANS IN MIDDLE-HADDAxM. 

In the address page 06, mention is made of three physicians 
in Middle lluddam, Drs. Joshua Arnold, Jeremiah Bradford and 
Amos Skeele. 

Dr. Arnold, lived on the Neck, but doubtless practiced among 
the inhabitants north of it, and probably much in the town of 
Haddam after the death of Rev. Phineas Fiske in 1738, who had 
been physician both for the souls and bodies of his people. Ho 
died in 1753 aged 06. There is a tradition that the Ked Cedar, 
found abundantly in some lands, not far from his residence, 
were introduced by him. 

Jeremiah Bradford, was the son of Gershom and Priscilla 
(Wiswalk) Bradford, first of Kingston, Mass. and then of Bris- 
tol R. 1., grandson of Samuel and Hannah (Rogers) Bradford, 
of Duxbury, Mass. Samuel Bradford, was son of William Brad- 
ford, a distinguished inhabitant and Lieut. Governor of Plymouth 
Colony, and grandson of Gov. William Bradford. Where Dr. 
Bradford studied medicine is not ascertained. He settled in 
Middle Haddam probably as early as 1754 or 5, and practised 
until old age, dying in 1814, aged 80. He was a man of good 
sense and an able practitioner, 

Amos Skecle, a native of Wood])ury, at the commencement of 
of tho Revolution, entered the American army by a temporary 
enlistment and was in the battle at White Plains. Upon a sud- 
den call in 1777, he went in pursuit of the English as they 
were retreating from Danbury, and while engaged in attack up- 
on them was wounded by a bullet in his right arm, and was so 
injured as to unfit him for the pursuit of agriculture in which 
he had before engaged, and he turned his atvention to the study 
of medicine. For a time he studied in Litchfield, but during 
the greater part of his preparations lie was under the instruc- 
tions of Dr. Hastings in Bethlem. While in this town he had 
the privilege of sitting under the preaching of Rev. Dr. Bellamy 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 279 

which contributed much to the formation of his religious char- 
acter. He entered upon practice in Hampton in 1783, and mov- 
ed to Middle Haddam in 1787. He lived in the north-eastern 
part of the parish, in the house afterward owned by_ Capt. Ste- 
phen Grift'ith, whence it was convenient for him to vie-it patients 
in the northern part of Middle Haddam, and also the western 
part of East Hampton. He removed to Somers in 1795, where 
he continued a number of years, and then removed again to 
Chicopee, Mass. where he practised until he was about 80, and 
where he died March 2, 1843 aged 93. For a very long period 
he discharged the duties of piety to God and beneficence to men 
with remarkable fideUty. For many years he was deacon in the 
church in Chicopee, and was very active and successful in pro- 
moting its religious interests. 

Dr. Nathaniel Freeman was contemporary for a time with both 
Dr. Bradford and Dr. Skeele. He was a native of the parish, 
and was a smart active man, but did not acquire an extensive 
practice. He died probably not far from the commencement of 
this century, perhaps a few years previously. 

Dr. Thomas Brainerd, a native of Middle Haddam, lived upon 
Jhe Neck, but doubtless practised somewhat among the inhabit- 
ants of the Society further north. His practice was limited, and 
some yearo before his death he moved to Ludlow, Mass. 

David B. HoUister, a natiye of Glastonbury, first settled in 
Middle-Haddam as a merchant. He had previously studied 
surgery, and afterwards made himself acquainted with medicine. 
He accordingly commenced the practice cf medicine among the 
people and was regarded as skilful. He died Aug. 8, 1821, in 
the 5Gth year of his age. 

Ebenezer 3Iunger, native of Madison, graduate'of Yale College 
1814, studied medicine partly in New York, practised a short 
time in Middle Haddam, moved to Haddam in 1818 or 19 and 
thence about 1823 to Bainbridge, N. Y., then to Homer where 
he has lived some 20 yeai's. 

Samuel Simons, born in Hampton, was brought up by ex-Gov- 
ernor Peters of Hebron, studied medicine and was taken into 
partnership with him, came to Middle Haddam in 1821 or 2, 
moved to Bridgeport in the spring of 1824, received the degree 
of M. D. from Yale College in 1827, was elected a member pf 
Congress from the 4th Congressional District of Connecticut iu 
1843. died at Bridgeport in"] 847. 

Frederic Morgan, native of Groton, graduate of Yale College 
1813, Tutor, M. D. studied medicine principally with Dr. Na- 
than Smith ; began practice in Colchester in Jan. 1820, succee- 
ded Dr Simons in Middle Haddam in 1824. moved to^ Middle- 
town in the spring of 182G: and remained thereuntil Feb. 1829, 
when he moved to Ellington ; in Oct. 1830 he returned to Col- 
chester where he has since practised. 

Charks Smith, son of Col. Chester Smith of North Stonington 



280 SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 

studied medicine with Dr. Eleazer B. Downing of Preston City, 
commenced practice in East-Hamptcn in the spring of 1823, 
where he remained until March 27, 182G, (the day on which his 
buccessor there took his pkice, ) when he moved to Middle Haddtwn, 
where he died March 13, 1848, aged 47. 

Albert B. Wortkingtnn, native of Colchester, studied with Dr. 
John P. Fuller, formerly of Providence. R. I., then of Salem, Ct. 
now of Norwich. He also attended lectures in New York. He 
came to Middle Haddam a little before the death of Dr. C. Smith 
and is still practising there. 

Frederic B. WoodimriL mentioned as rector of the Episcopal 
church at the Landing, was born m the parish of North Litch- 
field, received his medical education at New Haven, and practis- 
ed in Woodbury generally from 1824 untiil 183G. He now both 
preaches, and practises medicine. 

Eugene A. Franckfort, a native of France, but who received 
his education in Germany, being graduated at the Medical Uni- 
versity of Bonn, and also at the Chemical School of Giessen, 
came to Middle Haddam in March 1851, at first to test tJie ores 
wlych Mr. Brown had collected from Great Hill, in which ser- 
vice he was engaged until the subsequent June. Upon the sus- 
pension of operations by Mr. Brown, he resumed the practice of 
medicine ; for he had before practised medicine in Newtown, 
Bucks County, Penn., and also in Philadelphia. He has very 
recently moved his family to Middletown and is now working 
the mine usually called the Lead Mine, and which is described 
by hira on pp. 160 and 61 of this work. 



LAWYERS IN MIDDLE HADDAM. 

Asahel Hooker Strong, son of Rev. Cyprian Strong D. D. of 
Portland, was graduated at Yale College in 1796, and was ono 
of the best scholars in his class. He studied law with the Hon, 
Sylvester Gilbert of Hebron, and began t% practice as early as 
1802. He v/as greatly esteemed by his brethren of the bar and 
by the judges of the courts, for his good sense, tiis clear and dis- 
criminating knowledge of law, and his fair and able pleas; he 
was an excellent counsellor and a good special pleader. 

John Huirli Peters, was the son of Jonathan Peters of Hebron, 
and brother of John T. Peters, late a judge of the Superior 
Court of the State, and of Samuel A. Peters, judge of the Coun- 
ty Court in the County of New London, was graduated at Wil- 
liams College in 1798, and having studied law with the brother 
first named, began practice in Middle Haddam as early as 1803, 
and practised law there until his death in Oct. 1811, aged 35. 
He was a well read lawyer, but not distinguished as an advocate, 
more modest than brilliant, and more correct than forcible. 
When the post-office was established in 1804. he was appointe4 
postmaster and held the office through life. 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 281 

Abiel A. Loomis — Ebenezer Force. See list of lawyers in Mid- 
dle town. 

Asahel Utleij, native of Wilbraham, Mass., was admitted to the 
bar in 1822, spent a year or two in Middle Haddani, then went 
to East Haddam, where he remained until the spring of 1831, 
when he went to Middletown, where he uied on the 27th of July 
following, aged 35. 

Coiisfans F. Daniels^ came to Middle Haddam form Waterford 
in 1822, left in 1825 and now lives in New London. 

Mark Moore, came from Boston to Middle Haddam in 1822, 
moved to Bridgeport in 1825, where he died in the spring of 
1850. 

Horace Foote, native of Marlborough, graduate of Yale Col- 
lege 1820, studied law with Seth P. Staples, Esq., of New Ha- 
ven, was admitted to the bar in 1822, moved to Cleveland in 
Ohio about 1835. 

Linus Parrnelce, native of Guilford, whose parents moved to 
Haddam, when he was about six years of age, studied law with 
Levi H. Clark, Esq. He was admitted to the bar in 1808 or 9, 
practised in Haddam until 1842, since which time he has prac- 
tised in Middle Haddam. 



GRADUATES FROM xMIDDLE-HADDAM AT 
DIFFERENT COLLEGES. 

Jeremiah Bradford, Yale College 1779. Son of Dr. J. Brad- 
ford, born in Nov. 1758. He studied medicine but never prac- 
tised as a physician. He resided tor some time at Middle Had- 
dam, and about the year 1806, moved to Berlin, Vt. where he 
was more or less occupied in Agricultural pursuits, and where 
he died Dec. 25, 1835, aged 77 years. 

Sylvester Selden, Williams College 1807. Son of Rev. David 
Selden, studied theology at Andover, was pastor of the Congre- 
gational Church in Westbrook from June 10, 1812 until 

183 and of the Congregational Church in Hebron from 
Sept. 30. 1835 until his death'Oct. 4, 1841, at the age of 55. His 
remains are interred in a cemetery in Middle Haddam, near the 
grave, residence and church of his father. 

Hiram hoot Mather, Yale 1813. Studied law and settled in 
Auburn, N. Y. 

Ashbel Dart. Yale 1816. M. D. Studied medicine in Middle- 
town and in New Haven, and attended lectures in New York : 
settled and practised in Conneought, Ohio, where he died in 
Nov, 1844 aged 51. 

James Brainerd Taylor, son of Col. Jeremiah Taylor was born in 
Middle Haddam, April 15th 1801. He was a graduate at Nas- 
sau-Hall, Princeton, N. J., in 1826. He read theology at New 



282 SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 

Haven, and at Prince Edward, Virginia. He died at the early 
age of 28. His memoirs Avritton )3y the two Doctors Rice, of 
Virginia, present him as one of the most remarkable of men for 
his religious character and successful effort in religious action, 
during his short career. He died at the residence of John Holt 
Rice, D. D., in Virginia, and was interred in the burial ground 
not far from the Union Theological Seminary, at Prince Edward. 

Fitch Wdivijii Taylor^ son of Col. Jeremiah Taylor and broth- 
er of James^Brainerd Taylor, was born at Middle Haddam. Ho 
was graduated at Yale College in 1828. He read theology, as 
resident graduate, at New Haven, and in Alexandria, Virginia. 
He was Rector of William and Mary Parish, Charles Co.. Mary- 
land, for four years, and then made a voyn.ge around the world 
in the U. S. Frigate Columbia. He received an appointment in 
the U. S. Navy in 1841, and is still in the service. He is author 
of several works : "The Flag Ship,"' "A voyage around the 
World," "The Broad Pennant^" "Ella V—, or the July Tour," 
and "A New Tribute to the Memory of James Brainerd Tay- 
lor." 

William Wright. Yale 1835, studied theology in New Haven, 
was settled in Jewett City, in Griswold, Nov. 18, 1832, where he 
•was pastor about four years : was installed in Plainvillc, in Far- 
mington, Nov. 8. 1843, where he was pastor a much longer pe- 
riod : Feb. 15, 1852 he was constituted pastor of the church at 
Chicopee, Mass. 

Thomas Tallman^ Yale 1837. Graduate of the Theological 
Department in that institution • was installed pastor of the 
church in the society of Scotland, in Windham, March 20, 1844. 



MIDDLE-HADDAM POST-OFFICE, 

ESTABLISHED IN 1804. 

Post Masters. 

John Hugh Peters, from 1804 to 1811. 

John Stewart, , " 1811 " 1830. 

John Stewart, foi'mei'ly Jr., *• 1830 " 1832. 

Henry Stewart, " 1832 " 1841. 

Huntington Selden, " 1841 " 

Cobaltville Post-Office in the north part of Middle-Haddam^ 
established in 1851 — Charles Rich, jpostraaster. 



SKETCH OP EAST-HAMPTON. 



It was mentioned in the address that the first settlers in East 
Hampton were attracted thither in 1743 by the fine mill site at 
the outlet of Powtopogue pond where a forge was erected. This 
pond is a beautiful as well as a very important sheet of water. 
The circumference following the curves of the shore is about 
nine miles. The waters are generally ten feet deep and inclose 
several islands, one of which was the favorite roort of a clan of 
Indians. It is fed by low springs, for rains which fail so gently 
as not to run off from the earth do not alter its height. For »;ev- 
eral miles the outlet is known by the name of the Powtopogue 
stream, and then by that of Pine Brook, which after a course of 
six or seven miles in East-Hampton and Middle-Haddam empties 
itself into Salmon River, three miles from the entrance of that 
river into the Connecticut at East Haddam Landing. 

At the time the forge was erected, iion was ver}' much needed 
bv the inhabitants in the surrounding country, and it was soon 
needed in iShip-building, to which the attention of numbers ou 
the Connecticut was turned in a few years. How much business 
was done at the forge for the first forty years it would be diffi- 
cult now to ascertain. Probably much was done. The proper- 
ty passed into the hands of various individuals and companies. 
For a time at least it was held by Abijah Hall. About 1784 it 
passed into the hands of his son Abijah Hall, Jim., and from 
that time until about 1810 or 12, when the forge was given up, 
about 8 hands on an average were employed in it, and two lads. 
Ore was brought to the foi-ge from West Point, and from this 
iron vv-as made for use in ship- building. The best iron for gen- 
eral purposes was made from pigs, procured in the city ol New 
York and from Salisbury, and for these purposes^ that from Sal- 
isbury was preferred. iViuch iron was made for the vessels built 
at Middletown, and in places below on the river. In 1825 a new 
forge was built on the site of the old forge, and a scythe factory, 
and at these, business was done several years. Both are dilapi- 
dated. 

The factories and mills now existing below are as follows, and 
in the order they are named, viz : 

BuELi. & Veazeys Bell Factory, which employs from a doz- 
en to fifteen hands. The principal building i^ 38 feet by 22, 
two stories ; to which an iron foundry is attached, one story, 
40 feet by 20. . , . ,,., 

Beven Brothers" Bell Factory. The casting shop is I lU by 
18 with a turning shop connected, 30 feet by 18. 'J here is aho 
a blacksmith and finishing shop 55 feet by 22. They employ 
ou an average about 20 hands. 
24 



284 SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 

BuELL & Sears' Sawmill, in full operation is on the east side 
of the stream, on the opposite side they have a batting mill. 

J. S. Hall & Go's. Bell Factory. Shop 47 feet by 28 ; elev- 
en or 12 hands on an average. 

Bell Factory owned by the East Hampton Bell Company. 
Foundry and finishing shop 91 feet by 25, 2 stories; 19 feet 
head and fall, wheel l6 feet. Employs 15 hands. This is on the 
ancient site of Cook's grist mill. 

iNoAH S. Markum's Hoe Factory. The l)uilding is 36 feet by 
26, the fall of water 14 feet. Seven hands are employed and 
1200 dozen of hoes made annually. These are the concave hoe, 
entirely of c st steel and highly polished. They are much ad- 
mired at the north for all the purposes for which hoes are 
needed. For this fine article a silver medal has been awarded 
to Mr. Markum by the American Institute in the city ot New 
York. 

NiLES, Parmelee & Co"s. Bell Factory. The building is 36 
feet by 20, the fall of water 14 feet, turning an overshot wheel 
of 12 feet diameter. Ten hands are employed. 

Barton & Clark's Factory. The building is 36 feet by 18, 
with tv/o wings 18 by 14. The fall of water is 14 feet, and the 
■wheel, (a breast wheel) 16 in diameter. This manufactures 
brass kettles of various sizes, which are useful for all purposes 
in which iron material is not needed. 

Skinner's Sawmill. This has a fall of water of 16 feet. It 
is new and in full operation. Connected with this is a large 
building in which is a grain mill, and in which manufacturing 
operations are expected to be carried on. 

All the above factories and mills are within two miles of the 
Povvtopogue Pond. Further on are : 

Abels Saw & Grain Mills. These are in operation, but out 
of repair. 

Pine Brook Factory, 38 feet by 26. There has not been 
much done in this factory, and it is now undergoing repairs. 

VVests Saw Mill, l^his has a fall of 16 feet, but the build- 
ing is so much decayed as not to be fit for use. 

Johnson's Pistol 'Factory, 24 feet by 20, 7 feet posts, not in 
operation. 

Justin Sexton & Sons' Satinet Factory, 36 by 26 with an 
ell 22 by 20, fall of water 18 feet, the wheel 14. This employs 
5 hands, cards wool and manutuctures cloth for customers. 
With t!iia factory a saw mill is connected. 

^ Northeast of the Ptmd, on Chatham and Marlborough Turn- 
pike, H. & VV. Veazey, have a bell fiictory moved by horse pow- 
er, which employs on an average 16 hands. 

Nearly all the bell factories manufacture ship and house bells, 
cow, sheep, hand and sleigh bells. Vtirious articles of iron are 
also manufactared in them to some extent, particularly waffle 
irons. "^ 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 285 

It is a remarkable fact that sleigh bells are manufactured here, 
and in the fiictory nientiuned as being in Middle-Haddam, almost 
exclusively for all those parts of the United States in which such 
bells are used, and also in Canada. With the exception of a 
small quantity made in a factory in New Britain, it is said, they 
are entirely. The manufacturing enterprize and general pro- 
sperity of East Hampton are very mu; h owing to Mr. William 
Barton, who was born in Wintonbnry. a society of Windsor, now 
the town of Bloomfield. Nov. 20, 1702. He labored with hia 
father, whose name he bore, and who was armorer at Springfield 
in the Revolutionary war. At the close of the war he returned 
to Wintonbnry and manufactured pistols and other warlike im- 
plements until 1790, when he went to New York and engaged in 
the manufacture of andirons and articles of brass. From that 
city he came to Ea«t Hampton in the spring of 1808, and com- 
menced the manufacture of hand and sleigh-bells. Others ac- 
quired skill from him and engaged in the same concern. Liber- 
al minded himself, he was happy in benefitting others and the 
community soon t^egan to flourish around him. In May 1826 
he removed to Cicero, in the state of New York, where he exer- 
ted a happy influence, but after 20 years returned to spend the 
residue of his days with his children and friends in East Hamp- 
ton, where he died July 15, 1849, universally respected and la- 
mented. 

In connection with the foregoing f\ictories and mills it might 
have been mentioned, that further south on Pine Brook, are 
Rand's Oakum Factory and House's Paper Piill. But the f(.rm- 
er is not now in operation, and both are in a part of Middle 
Haddam, belongino- to the town of Haddam. 

Salmon River for some distance washes the south-eastern bor- 
der of East Hampton parish. The principal sources of this 
stream are in Hebron and Lebanon ; it passes through a part of 
Colchester. It is much larger than that flowing irom the pond. 
On this are several sites where factories might be built. But aa 
the river is liable to sudden and great rises, as dams of much 
strength and cost are needed, and as they are further from navi- 
gable watci', than the sites on the other stream, they are not yet 
occupied. But should the conteniplated rail road through Mid- 
dletown on to Boston be soon built, it is probable men of tho 
requisite capital would secure the sites and erect upon them 
large establishments. There are however, many unoccupied 
privileges 'm Pine Brook, where men of small capital may invest 
property to advantage. A good road opened along near the 
stream would hasten their occupation. 

East Hampton was settled more rapidly than any part of Mid- 
dletown east of the Connecticut. There was a rush of inhabit- 
ants there upon the erection of the forge at the outlet of the 
Pond about 1743. 



286 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 



The names of the inhabitants and their lists as taken that year, 
and as stated on the colony records, were as follows : 



Azuriah Andrews, £, 30 

* Jonathan Bailev, 48,16 

* David Bailey, ' 27 

* John Beven, Jun. 34,06 

* William Beven, 20 
Jolin Boz worth, 18 

* Jabez Clark, 30.09 
*fr Ebenezer Clark, 42.13 

* John Clark, 143,10 

* Jasiah Cook, 32,06 
Samuel Ejjjgle.'^ton, 30 

* Stephen Griffith, 47 
Nathan Harding, 27 
Daniel Hills, 31 

Total 



George Hubbard, 33 

* James Johnson, 86 
VVm. Johnson, 9 

* Seth Knowles, 58,10 

* John Markum, 21 

* William Norcot, 41 

* William Norcot, Jun. 20 

* Joseph Parker, 100.16 

* Hezekiah Russ, . 30 

* Isaac Smith, 26 
John Stephen?^ 26 
^ Samuel Wad worth, 40 

* Isaac Williams, 18 
^ Daniel Young, 22 

1100.06. 



All those whose names are starred, together with Caleb John- 
son, VVilliam Clark, Shubael and Thomas Lewis, became after- 
wards applicants for society privileges, and the reason that the 
others named did not, is probably owing to death, removal or 
some other circumstance of which we have no information. 

A Mr Miller early settled in the society, from whom the hill 
•where he lived, over which the Chatham and Colchester Turn- 
pike passes, is called Millc's Hill. John Parmeleo from Bran- 
ford was also an early settler. James Bill from Lebanon, and 
Joseph Buell from Colchester came here afterwards. 

The parish was incorporated in May 1746, the church was or- 
ganiztid Nov. 30, 1748. at which time Rev. John Norton, a native 
of Berlin and graduate of Yale College 1737, was installed their 
pastor. 

He was settled before. Nov. 25. 1741 over a small church and 
congregation at Falltown. now Bernardston, Mass., but the peo- 
ple being greatly disturbed by the occurrence of the first French 
war, he took a dismission in 1745, and became chaplain at Fort 
Massachusetts, in Adams. He was there at the time it was at- 
tacked, Aug, 20, 1746. by an army of about 900 French and In- 
dians under Gen De Vaudruil. Sergt. Hawks, afterwards Col. 
Hawks, who commanded the fort at that time, had only 22 ef- 
fective men with him, and but 33 persons, men, women and 
children, and was miserably supplied with ammunition. Not- 
withstanding these unfortunate circumstances, he defended the 
fort 28 hours, and probably would never have given it up had 
not his ammunition failed. He was finally obliged to capitulate 
and offered such articles as were accepted. One special article 
was, that none of the prisoners should be delivered into the 
hands of the Indians. The next day however, Vaudruil deliv- 
ered one half of them to the Indians, on the plea that there was 
dangler of mutiny in his army, the Indians being irritated that 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 287 

they were cut off from the profits of the conquest. The savages 
iaiinediatoly killed one of the prisoners, because being sick, he 
was unable to travel, for the prisoners were destined to march 
into Canada as captives. In the sici^e, Coi. Hawks lost but ono 
map, while the enemy as near as could be ascertained, lost 45 
men. who were either killed outright or died of their wounds. 

Mr. Norton wrote an account of his captivity and that of his 
companions, which was published, and fill- a duodecimo pam- 
phlet of 40 pages. From this it appears that when the pi-ison- 
ers were marched as far as Crown Point, on their way to Que- 
bec, a party of the Indians, who went off from Adams with a 
view of attacking Deerfield. returned with G scalps and one cap- 
tive, and that afterwards, while in Quebec, a sickness broke oufc 
among the l^^nglish prisoners; that JMr. Norton himself was re- 
peatedly sick, and that 15 belonging to the company from y^dama 
died, 10 men. 3 women and 2 children, and that on the 27th of 
Aug. 1747, they sailed under a flag of truce from Quebec, and on 
the IGth of September arrived in Boston 

In 1755, in the 2J French war, while pastor at East Hampton, 
Mr. Norton went as chaplain in th«^ expedition to Crown Point, 
and the members of the Hartford South iVssociation, to which 
he belonged, agreed to supply his pulpit from Oct, 12th, in that 
year, till Feb. 2d. 175G, He died of the small pox, March 24, 
1778 aged G2. 

Uev. Lemuel Parsons, native of Durham, graduate of Yale 1773, 
suci-eeded Mr. Norton as pastor Feb. 10, 1779 and died in F.eb. 
1701. two days after he had closed the 12th year of his ministry, 
aged 37. 

Ren. Joel West, native of Lebanon, graduate of Dartmouth Col- 
lege 1789 was ordained Oct. 17, 1792, and died in the pastoral 
ofiice Oct. 2G. 182G, aged GO. 

Since his dearh the people have had the following pastors ; — 
T?^^. Messrs. Timothy Stone, Samuel J. Curtis., Rufus Smith and 
Wi'.linm Russell. 

Mr. Stone, was the son of Rev. Timothy Stone of the society 
of Goshen, in Lebanon,'!. id was early prepared to enter some ciasa 
in college, but by rra^'-o; of diseavc abandoned literary pursuits 
for some time, and studied the art of painting with the celebra- 
ted John 'I'mmbuli, a native of the same town with himself. 
After this, becoming a subject of grace, he resolved to enter the 
ministry and placed himself under the instruction of President 
Dwight. living in his family, and under his guidance pursuing 
both classical and the logical studies. Nov. 10, 1803 he was or- 
dained pastor of the church in South Cornwall, and at the com- 
mencement in 1804 the Corporation of Yale College conferred 
upon him the degree of Master of Arts. He was dismissed from 
this charge in 1827 or the beginning of 1828, and on the 4th of 
June in the last mentioned year was installed pastor of the_church 
in East Hampton. He was dismissed a second time Feb. 7, 1833, 
-^ 24 



288 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 



and soon after returned to his family in South Cornwall where 
he died April 14, 1852 ag;ed nearly 78. 

Mr. Curtis, a native of Meriden. was settled in East Hampton 
Nov. 1, 1832 and dismissed Nov. 21, 1837 After his dismi.-si(.n 
he was stated supply at West Woodstock and at Union : at the 
latter place he has been pastor sines April 12, 1843. On fast 
day March 25, 1842, he was called to the sudden and aggrava- 
ted affliction of parting with his wife and a daughter who were 
killed by lightning. 

Mr. Smith is a native of Chaplin, and was sometime a physi« 
cian in Griswold, but afterwards studied theology and was licen- 
sed to preach. He was settled in East Hampton, Sept. 19, 1838 
and was dismissed Aug. 1, 1845. He now lives in East Hartturd. 
3Ir. Russcl is a native of Strattord, graduate of Yale 1837. 
Studied theology at New Haven. He was first settled in Wake- 
man, Huron Co., Ohio, in Dec. 1842. He was installed in E. 
Hampton Oct, 14, 1846. 

The early records of the church are lost, and of course it can- 
not be told of hov^' many the church consisted at its formation, 
nor how many were admitted to it by Mr. Norton. 

Mr. Parsons, admitted 58 

Mr. West, ^' 128 

Mr. Stone, " 16 

Mr. Curtis, " 40 

Mr. Smith, " 22 

Nr. Russell has admitted, 37 

The number of members Jan. 1, 1852, was 118 



Ebenezer Clarke, 
Isanc Smith, 
John Clarke, Esq. 
James Bill, Esq. 
Gideon Arnold, 
Moses Cook, 
Isaac Smith, 
Joseph Sage, 
David Clarke, Esq. 
Warren A. Skinner, 
Diodate B. West, 

The society have the following funds for the support of tho 
ministry : — 

A bequest made by Mr. Silas Smith in Aug. 1840 $878. 
One hundred dollars raised by the society. 100. 

978. 
The annual contributions of the people to the great objects of 



DEACONS. 






Elected. 


Deaths. 
Moved away. 


^g«. 




July 29, 1802. 


85. 




Aug. 8, 1809. 


94. 


July 5, 1705. 


July, 23, 1825. 


87. 


do. 


Feb. 17, 1807. 


72. 


May 16, 1805, 


May 15, 1818, 


75. 


do. 


Oct. 28,1815, 


70. 


July 24, 1815, 


Feb. 20, 1818, 


60, 


July 1816, 


Mar. 20, 1843, 


88. 


May 1, 1818, 






1824, 







SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 289 

Christian benevoloncc have been for several years past aboub 
$200. 

BAPTIST CHURCH IN EAST HAMPTON. 

A few families ot this aenominati(.n by the name of Morgan 
Webb and Welsh, ovij.-inally from Colchester, but who had lived 
foi'a time in Nova Scotia, came to tins place and settled about 
1775. Among these a church was formed ^ept. 10 1 / 84. J he 
Strict Congrc^ationalists in the southern part of Haddamin 1792 
p o^lsed Themselves Baptists and united w.th them. 1 he two 
branches maintained public worship separately. Elder \\ ilham 
Welsh who labored more or less in both branches, lived in hast 
Hampton. He died in 1824, and the branch there is extinct. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The Methodists in East Hampton began to have week-day 
preaching about 1815: from 1828 to 1847 they had preaching 
once in two weeks on the sabbath, and from 1847 they have had 
;:!e:Xng from sabbath to sabbath. In 1830 they built a meet- 
ing-house on MiUer-s Hill, 48 feet by 30, which co.t_ $1800. 
Xlenty-eight of their members withdrew from them in 1848 
The number belonging to the church Jan. 1, Ibo- was oU , ana 
6 persons were on probation. 

FREE METHODISTS. 

The twenty-eight persons who withdrew from the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in 1848 were formed into a free or indepen- 
de^n church. Th.y built a house fV.r the worship cvf God .dnch 
was dedicated April 10, 185i. Its dimensions are 40 feet by oO. 
Their members Jan. 1, 1852 were 48. 

PHYSICIANS IN EAST HAMPTON. 

Dr Robert Usher, who practised medicine in East Hampton 
and also in Westchester, ii spoken of in the address, and no h- 
Wftrther need to be stated here respecting him, except that 
his residence was in the southeast part of Chathani, in a reigh^ 
mMCbiaenoc attached to the pari^^h of West- 

0:'!:^ irShLt; ::pa;atod n-on, t.,. ,.u.^. of East Hamp. 

'°^1, «'cZo«twas from Bmokfield, Mass. He studied medi- 
• -tl, nr Timothv Hall of East Hartford, and was mtroduc- 
T?lk.tmmSby Dr. Coleman of Glastenbury ahout 
f792 tfrdied e To -1821 aged 54. Besides attending pro- 
Snal duties, he guided the studies of several young n.enwho 



290 SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 

were cont-emplating the same services. Richard Mayo Smith, 
who bf^camo liis successcr was his pupil ; Newell Smith already 
mentioned in the notice of Portland physicians, Abner Clark, 
■who is now living near Dunkirk, N. Y., and Elijah Root who 
died in Marlborough in the autumn of 1827, were also his pupils. 

Richard Maijn Smit/i, native of Chaplin, Avas attending medi- 
cal lectures at New Haven at the time of Dr. Richmond's death. 
He commenced practice in East Hampton in the spring of 1822, 
and died on the 22d. of December following, aged 2G. The 
church records say he died Dec. 23d 

Charles Smith, See physicians of Middle Haddam. 

Franc's Griswold EiJgerton, born in Norwich, studied medicine 
for a shorter or longer period with Drs. George Hazard of South 
Kingston, R. I , Philemon 7'racy of Norwich Town, and William 
P. Eaton of Norwich Landing, and attended medical lectures in 
New Haven in 1824 and 5. He commenced practice in East 
Hampton on the 27th of March 1826, and has ever since practis- 
ed in this place. 

To this notice it may be properly added that Elias Norinn a 
son of Rev. John Norton, studied medicine with Dr. Thomas 
Mosely of East Haddam and was surgeon's mate with Dr. Rob- 
ert (J^her in the Revolutionary war, by an appointment made 
Jan 29. 1770. He afterwards settled as a physician at Machiaa 
in Maine, where he died some years since. 

Ban Aniolfl, also a native of East Hampton, studied medicine 
with Dr. John R. Watrous of Colchester and settled in Hebron, 
where he has practised about CO years. 

GRADUATES FROM EAST HAMPTON. 

Amasa IVest. was long a member of one of the New England 
Colleges, it is believed of Williams College, and he is spoken of 
in East Hampton as being a graduate, and as having taught 
school there after he was graduated, but as his name is not on 
the Triennial catalogue of Williams College, nor of any other 
college wbi(h tiie writer has consulted, it is doubted whether ho 
M'etit wholly through with his college course. He studied the- 
ology, and went, it is believed as early as 1812 or 13 to the 
county ot Chatauque, and preached in several places about the 
centre of that county for many j-ears. He is now in the State 
of Michigan. 

Ephraim TacJccr Barstow, Yale 1811. Died while engaged in 
the study of l-.iw at Rochester. N. Y., in 1845. 

llvfm Smith, son of Rev. Rufus Smith, was born in Griswold, 
and graduated at Vale 184(3. He taught school in Powelton, 
Hancock Co.. Georgia, about a year; and then on due consulta- 
tion and advice started for Texas, with the view of opening a 
school in that State, but on his way fell sick with the yellow fe- 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 291 

ver at NewOrleans, where he died Oct. 15, 1847 aged 26. He held 
a very respectable rank in his classs, and had been an exemplary 
professor of religion a number of years. 

S/ialer Hall, G. of Michigan University 1847, is engaged in 
manufacturing. 

Adonijnh S Welsh, G of Michigan University 1847, is employ- 
ed in teaching at Jonesville, Michigan. 

Edwin H. Cole, W. U. 1851. Is teaching in Armenia. N. Y. 



EAST HAMPTON POST-OFFICE, 

ESTABLISHED IN 1817. 

Post Masters. 

Franklin G. Comstock, from June 1818 to the spring of 1821, 
David Buell, from the spring of 1821 " 1845. 

William G. Buell, " 1845 Mav 21, 1850. 

Noah S. Markum, from May 21, 1850 

Chatham Post-Office, also in East Hampton, established in 
1851, Moses Warren Comstock, postmaster. 



ADDITIONAL ITEMS. 

Within the .=ociety of East Hampton there are 177 tenantable 
dwelling houses and 188 families. About 80 of the houses hav© 
been built within 2G years, and during that time about half as 
many have been torn down or abandoned as dwellings. 

The small section of land, belonging to Chatham, which is at- 
tached to the society of Westchester, lies to the southeast of 
East Hampton, and is separated from it by Salmon river. The 
section is part of a school district called Waterhole, and in this 
section there are 8 houses and 9 families. 

The number of school districts in East Hampton is 7 ; the 
children in them between the ages of 4 and IG in 1851 was 236, 
and there were G more in the Chaiham part of Waterhole. 

There are two merchant stores in East Hampton. 

The grave-yards in the society are 3, and there is a 4th in 
W^aterhole within the limits of Chatham. The deaths in E. H. 
for 10 years prior to Jan. 1, 1852 were 01. 



JUSTICES IN CHATHAM 

UNTIL THE ADOPTION OF THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION OF 

THE STATE, 

Inclusive of those who lived in what was at the time the First 



292 



SKETCH OF CHATHAM. 



Society in Chatham, but has since become the Town of Portland. 
The justices who are not indicated as living in Middle rladdam 
or East Hampton by the letters M. H. and E. H., affixed to their 
names, arc to be regarded as having lived within the present 
limits ot the new Town. 



Names. 

Joseph White, 
Natlianiel Freeman, 
David Sage, 
Ebenczer White. 
Joseph Dart, IM. H. 
John Clark, E. Ff. 
Jonathan Penfield, 
Bryant Parmelee, E. II. 
James Bill, E. H. 
Hezekiah Goodrich, 
Chauncey Bulkley, M. H. 
Daniel Shepherd, 
David White, 
Gcu'l. Seth Overton, 
Dea. David Clark, E. II. 
Stephen Griffith, M. H. 
John Parmolee, E. H. 
Nathaniel Cornwall, 
William Dixon, 
Cyrus Bill, M. II. 
Asahcl H Strang, 11. II. 
Joseph Dart, M. H. 
Ralph Smith, M. II. 
George Whic, 
Amasa Daniels, Jun. M. H, 
Sparrow Smith, E. H. 



Deaths. 



AgC!^. 



Dec. 


14, 


1770. 


82 


Sept. 


6, 


1791. 


78 


Nov. 


25, 


1803. 


86 


July 


29, 


1817. 


90 


May 


5, 


1791. 


53 


Aug. 


8, 


1809. 


94 


July 


23, 


1794. 


09 


Jan. 


6, 


1817. 


84 


July 


25, 


1825. 


87 


April 




1817, 


72 


I\lay 


10, 


1818. 


75 


Oct. 


24, 


1850. 


97 


Sept. 


18, 


1833. 


79 


May 


20, 


1843. 


88 


About 




1839. 


76 


June 


20, 


1827. 


62 


March 




1823. 


73 


March 


20, 


182G. 


81 


Moved fr 


om the 


county 




Jan. 


7, 


1818. 


41 


Jan. 




1838. 


77 


June 


1, 


1848. 


84 






1847. 


70 


July 


14, 


1842. 


82 



TOWN CLERKS IN CHATHAM. 

This town was incorpor itcd Oct. 1757, and held its first meeting 
for the choice of officers on the 7th of December following. The 
office of clei'k has been held by the following persons : 



Jonathan Penfield, 
Daniel Shepherd, jr. 
Zelnilon Penfield, 
Edward A Penfield, 
John Mark ham, jr. 
Nathaniel C Smith, 



from Dec. 7, 1767 
Sept. 15, 1794 
Dec. 6, 1802 
Oct. 3, 1836 
July 10, 1841 
Oct. 11, 1841 



till 



July 23. 1794. 
Dec. 6, 1802. 
Oct. 3. 1836. 
June 1841. 
Oct. 11, 1841. 



SKETCH or CHATHAM. 

CHATHAM PROBATE DISTRICT. 

Was established May 1824. It still includes Portland. 

Iladdam Neck belonged to it until 1830, when the town of tlad- 

dam was constituted a district. 

1824, Benjamin Hurd, appointed Judge. Constant F. Daniels, 
Clerk July, 12. 

1829, Franklin G. Comstcck, Esq. appointed Judge, officiated 
without a clerk, 

1833, Ira Lee Esq. appointed Judge. Horace Foot Esq. was ap- 
pointed Clerk, June 1833. 

1835, Philip Sago appointed Judge, June 29, Daniel Penfield, 
Clerk. 

1838, Ezra Foot Esq., appointed Judge, and officiated without a 

clerk. 

1839, Philip Sage appointed Judge. 

1844, David Cornwall appointed Judge, Linus Parmelee Clerk. 

1846, Braddock Strong Esq., appointed Judge, and officiated 

without a clerk. 

1847, David Cornwall appointed Judge, Linus Parmelee Clerk. 
1850, Cyrus Hurd was appointed Judge, and officiates without a 

clerk. 



MIDDLETOWN DEPUTIES TO THE GENERAL 

COURT. 



The Town was 
William Smith, 
John Hall, jr. 
William Smith, 
Robert Webster, 
William Smith, 
Robert Webster, 
Wm. Cornwall, 
Robert Webster, 
Thomas Whitmor 
Robert Webster, 
William Smith, 
William Smith, 
Robert Webster, 
Thomas Allyn, 
Robert Webster, 
None recorded, 
Robert Webster. 
George Graves, jr 
George Graves, jr 
Samuel Stocking, 
Robert Webster, 
George Graves, jr 
Robert Webster, 
Samuel Stocking, 
Nathaniel White, 
Samuel Stocking, 
William Cheney, 
Robert VV'arner, 
William Cheney, 
Robert Warner, 
Robert Warner, 
Nathaniel White, 
Robert Warner, 
Nathaniel White, 
Nathaniel White, 
William Cheney, 
Nathaniel White, 
R(»bert Warner, 
Nathaniel White, 
Robert Warner, 
Nathaniel White, 



first represen 

Sept., 1652 
May, 1653. 

do 
Sept. 1653. 

do 
May, 1654. 

do 
Sept. 1654. 
e, do 

May, 1655. 

do 
Oct. 1655. 
May 1656. 

do 
Oct. 1656. 
Mav 1657. 
Oct. 1657. 
do 
. May, 1658. 
do 
Oct. 1658. 
do 
May, 1659. 
do 
Oct. 1659. 
do 
May, 1660. 
do 
Oct. 1660. 
do 
May. 1661. 
do 
Oct. 1661. 
do 
May. 1662. 

do 

Oct. 1662. 

do 

May, 1663. 

do 

Oct. 1663. 



ted in Sept. 1652. 
William Cheney, 
Nathaniel White, 
Robert Warner, 
William Cornwell, 
William Cheney, 
Nathaniel White, 
Samuel Stocking, 
Robert Warner, 
Samuel Stocking, 
Nathaniel White, 
Mr. Hamlin, 
Nathaniel VVhite, 
Mr. Hamlin, 
Giles Hamlin, 
Nathaniel White, 
Giles Hamlin, 
VVilliaip Cheney, 
Giles Hamlin, 
Nathaniel White. 
Mr. Hamlin, 
Nathaniel White, 
Nathaniel VVhite, 
Samuel Stocking, 
Nathaniel VVhite, 
Samuel Stocking, 
Nathaniel VVhite, 
Willian; Cheney, 
Giles Hamlin, 
Nathaniel VVhite, 
Giles Hamlin, 
Nathaniel White, 
Giles Hamlin, 
Nathaniel White, 
Nathaniel White, 
William Cheney, 
Samuel Collins, 
VV^illiam Cheney, 
Giles Hamlin, 
Nathaniel White, 
Gilos Hamlin, 
William Cheney, 



Oct. 1663. 
May, 1664. 

do 

Oct. 1664. 

do 

May. 1665. 

do 

Oct. 1665. 

do 

May. 1666. 

do 

Oct. 1666. 

do 

May. 1667. 

do 
Oct. 1667. 
do 
May, 1668. 

do 
Oct. 1668. 
do 
May. 1669. 

do 
Oct. 1669. 

do 
May, 1670. 

do 
Oct. 1670. 
do 
May. 1671. 

do 
Oct. 1671. 

do 
Mav, 1672. 

*do 

Oct. 1672. 

do 

May. 1673. 

do 

Oct. 1673. 

do 



DEPUTIES TO THE GENEHAL COURT. 



285 



Giles Hamlin, May, 1C74. 

Niithaniel White, do 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1G74. 

Samuel Sto king, do 

Gil9s Hamlin, May, 1675. 

Nathaniel White, do 

Nathiinipl White, Oct. 1G75. 

■William Cheney, do 

Nathaniel White, May^ 1670. 

William Cheney, do 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1676. 

John Grave, do 

Nathaniel White, May, 1677. 

William Cheney, do 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1677. 



Samuel Stocking, 



do 



Giles Hamlin, May 1678. 

Nathaniel White, do 

Daniel Harris, Oct. 1678. 

William Cheney, do 

Nathaniel White, May, 1679. 

William Cheney, do 

Giles Hamlin, Oct. 1679. 

Nathaniel White, do 

Giles Hamlin, May, 1680. 

Nathaniel White, <lo 

Giles Hamlin, Oct. 1680. 

Nathaniel White, do 

Giles Hamlin, May, 1681. 

Nathaniel White, do 
No names recorded, Oct. 1681. 

Giles Hamlin, May, 1682. 

Nathaniel White, do 

Giles Hamlin, Oct. 1682. 

Nathaniel White, do 

Giles Hamlin, May, 1683. 

Nathaniel White, do 

Giles Hamlin, Oct. 1683. 

Nathaniel White, do 

Giles Hamlin. May, 1684. 

Nathaniel White, do 

Daniel Harris, Oct. 1684. 

William Cheney, do 

William Cheney, May, 1685. 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1685. 

William Cheney, do 

Nathaniel White, May, 1686. 

William Cheney, do 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1686. 

25 



Robert Warner, Oct. 1686. 

Nathaniel White, May, 1687. 

Rohert Warner, do 

WilHnm Harris, Oct. 1687. 

William Cheney, do 
No election- — Usurpation, 

of Maj. Andros, May, 1688. 

Do Oct. 1688. 

Nathaniel White, May, 1689. 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1689. 

William Ward, do 

Nathaniel White, May. 1690. 

William Cheney, do 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1690. 

John Hamlin. do 

Nathaniel White, May, 1691. 

John Hamlin, do 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1691. 

John Hamlin, do 

Nathaniel White, May, 1692. 

John Hamlin. do 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1692. 

John Hamlin, do 

Nathaniel White, May, 1693. 

John Hamlin, do 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1693. 

John Hamlin, do 

Nathaniel White, May, 1694. 
No names recorded. Oct. 1694. 

Nathaniel White, May, 1695. 

William Cheney, do 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1695. 

William Cheney, do 

Capt. White, May, 1696. 
Nathaniel Bidwell, do 

William Cheney, Oct. 1696. 

John Hall. do 

Nathaniel White, May. 1697. 

Samuel Stowc, do 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1697. 

Samuel Bidwell, do 

Nathaniel White, May. 1698. 

Samuel Bidwell, do 

Nathaniel White, Oct. 1698. 

Samuel Bidwell, do 

Nathaniel White, May. 1699. 

John Hall, do 

Nathaniel W^hite, Oct. 1699. 

Nathaniel White, May, 1700 



236 



DEPUTIES TO THE GENERAL COURT. 



John Hall, 

Niithaniel White, 
John Hall. 
Nathaniel White, 
John Hall, 
Nathaniel White, 
William Sumner. 
Nathaniel White, 
W^illiam Sumner, 
Capt. White, 
William Sumner, 
Capt White. 
William Sumner, 
Nathaniel White, 
Samuel Bidvvell, 
Nathaniel White, 
Nathaniel White, 
John Hall, 
Nathaniel White, 
John Hall. 
Nathaniel White. 
iSamuel Bill well, 
Nathaniel White, 
Thomas Ward. 
Nathaniel White, 
Thomas Wanl, 
Nathaniel White, 
Thomas Ward, 
Nathaniel White. 
John Hall. 
Niithaniel White, 
John Hall. 
Nathaniel White, 
John Hall, 
Nathaniel White, 
John Hall. 
Nathaniel White, 
John Hall. 
Nathaniel White, 
John Hall. 
Jo-jpph Rockwell, 
William ard, 
E<hvard -Shepsird, 
William VVard, 
John Hall, 
Thomas \Vard, 
Thomas VVard, 
John VVurner.jr. 
J'oticph Rockwell, 



IVlay. 1700. 
Oct. 1700. 

do 

May, 1701 

do 

Oct. 1701. 

do 

May, 1702. 

do 

Oct. 1702. 

do 
May. 1703. 
do 
Oct. 1703. 

do 
May. 1704. 
Oct. 1704. 
do 
May, 1705. 
do 
Oct. 1705 

dn 

Mav. 170G. 
" do 
Oct. 1706. 

do 
Mav 1707. 

"do 
Oct. 1707. 

d<. 
May. 1708. 

do 
Oct. 1708 

do 
May. 1709 
do 
Oct. 1709 

d.. 
May. I7l0 

d.. 
Oct. 17 10 

do 
May. 1711 
do 
Oct. 1711 
do 
Mav. 1712 
' do 
Oct. I7l2 



W^illiam V/ard, Oct. 1712. 
Joseph Rockwell, May. I7l3, 
William Ward, do 

Joseph Rockwell, Oct. I7l3. 
William Ward, do 

Joseph Rockwell, May, l7l4, 
William Haririis, do 

Joseph Rockwell, Oct. I7l4. 
William Harris. do 

Jo.seph Rockwell, May, l7l5. 
William Harris, do 

Jo.<eph Rockwell, Oct. l7l5, 
William Savage, do 

Joseph Rockwe'l, May, l7l6. 
William Savage, ^ do 
Joseph Rockwell, Oct. l7l6. 
William Savage, do 

Jo.-eph Rockwell, May, l7l7. 
Samuel Hall, do 

Azariah Wetmore, Oct. I7l7. 
John Sage do 

Azari-.ih Wetmore, May. 1718. 
W^illiam Savage, do 

Azaritih Wetmore, Oct. 1718. 
William Savage, do 

Joseph Rockwell, May, 1719. 
William Savage,' do 

Joseph Rockwell, Oct. 1719. 
William Savage, do 

W^illiam Harris, May. 1720. 
Wiliam Savage, do 

Wiiliam Savage, Oct. 1720. 
W^illiam Harris, do 

William Harris, May, 1721. 
Williain Savage, do 

Azariah Wetmore, Oct. 1721. 
John Sage. do 

Azariah Wetmore. May. 1722, 
John Sage. do 

Wihiam Harris, Oct. 1722. 
William Savage, do 

Azariah W^etmore, May. 1723. 
William Savage, do 

Azariah Wetmore, Oct. 1723. 
W^illiam Savage, do 

Azariah Wetmore, May. 1724. 
William Snvajie, do 

Azariah VVetniore, Oct. 1724. 
William Savaj^e, do 



DEPUTIES TO THE GENERAL COURT. 



287 



Azariah Wetmore, 
William iSavage, 
Aziuiah sVctmore, 
William Savaj^c, 
Azariah Wetmore, 
John iSrigo. 
Azariah Wetmore. 
William Savage, 
Giles Hall, 
John Andrews, 
Giles Hall, 
John Andrews, 
Azariah Wetmore., 
John Andrevvci. 
Willian) Harris, 
John Andrews, 
Joseph Wetmore, 
John Andrew.^, 
Gforge Phillips, 
John Andrews, 
Giles Hall, 
Jolin Andrews, 
Giles Hnll. 
George Phillips, 
Giles Hall, 
George Phillips, 
George Phillips, 
J; bez Hamlin, 
George Phillips, 
Jabez H imlin, 
Giles Hill. 
Thomas Allyn, 
George Phillips, 
Josep!) White, 
(loorge Phillips, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Georgp Phillips, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
George Phillips, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Georjre Phillips, 
George Phillips, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
George Phillips, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Georo;e Phillips, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
George Phillips, 
Jjibe^ Hamlin, 



May. 1725. 
do 
Oct. 1725. 

do 
May. 172G. 

do 

Oct. 1726. 

do 

Mav. 1727. 

" do 

Oct. 1727. 

do 
May. 1728. 
do 
Oct. 1728. 
do 
Mav. 1729. 
do 
Oct. 1720. 
do 
May, 1730. 
do 
Oct. 1730. 
do 
May 1731. 
do 
Oct. 1731 

do 
May 1732. 

' do 
Oct. 1732. 

do 
May, 1733 

do 
Oct. 1733. 

do 
May. 1734. 

do 
Oct. 1734. 

.lO 

Mav. 1735. 
Oc"t. 1735. 
do 
Mav. 173G. 
" do 
Oct. 173G 
do 
May. 1737. 
do 



George Phillips. 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
George Pli Hips, 
Jabez Hnmlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Thomas Johnson, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Thomas Johnson, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth AVetmore, 
George Phillips, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Jabez Hamlin. 
.'^erh Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Thomas Johnson, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
'a])ez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetnun-e, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jiibez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetm(»re, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Re torn Meigs, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jai'cz Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 



Oct. 1737. 
do 
Mav. 1738. 
*do 
Oct. 1738. 

do 
May. 1739. 
do 
Oct. 1739. 

do 
May. 1740. 

do 

Oct. 1740. 
do 
May. 1741. 
do 
Oct. 1741. 
do 
May. 1742. 
do 
Oct. 1742. 
do 
May, 1743. 
do 
Oct. 1743. 

do 
May. 1744. 

do 
Oct. 1744. 

do 
May. 1745. 
"do 
Oct. 1745. 
do 
May. 1746. 
do 
Oct. 1746. 

do 

May 1747. 

d.. 

Oct. 1747. 

do 

May. 1748. 

do 
Oct 1748. 

do 
Mav. 1749. 
"do 
Oct. 1749 



DEPUTIES TO THE GENERAL COURT. 



Seth Wetmore, Oct. 1749. 

Jabez Hamlin, May, 1750. 

Seth Wetmore, do 

Jabez Hamlin, Oct. 1750. 

Joseph Southmayd, do 

Jabez Hamlin, May, 1751. 

Joseph Southmayd, do 

Jabez Hamlin, Oct. 1751. 

Joseph Sonthmayd, do 

Jabez Hamlin, May, 1752. 

Joseph Southmayd, do 

Joseph Southmayd, Oct. 1752. 
Jabez Hamlin, do 

Jabez Handin, May, 1753. 

Joseph Southmayd, do 



Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Joseph Wright, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Michael Burnham, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Matthew Talcott, 
Seth WetuKU'e, 
John Fitch, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Matthew Talcott, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Matthew Talcott, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Matthew Talcott, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Matthew Talcott, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Matthew Talcott, 
Seth Wetmore. 



Oct. 1753. 
do 
May, 1754. 

do 
Oct. 1754. 

do 

May. 1755. 

do 

Oct. 1755. 

do 

May, 1756. 

do 

Oct. 1756. 

do 
May 1757, 

do 
Oct. 1757. 
do 
May, 1758. 
Oct. 1758 
do 
May. 1759. 

do 
Oct. 1759. 
do 
May. 1760. 
do 
Oct. 1700. 
do 
May, 1761. 
do 
Oct. 1761. 
do 
May, 1762. 



Matthew Talcott. 
Seth Wetmore, 
Matthew Talcott, 
Matthew Talcott, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Matthew Talcott, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Matthew Talcott, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Richard ALsop, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Richard Alsnp, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Richard Alsop, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Richard Alsop, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Richard Alsop, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Richard Alsop, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Richard vVlsop, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Seth Wetmore, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Richard Alsop, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Matthew Talcott, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Richard Alsop, 
Jabez Hamlin, 
Richard Alsop, 
Richard Alsop, 
Titus Hosmer, 
Richard Alsop, 
Titus Hosmer-, 
Matthew Talcott, 



May, 1762. 
Oct. 1762. 

do 
May, 1763. 
Oct. 1763. 

do 
May, 1764. 

do 
Oct. 1764. 

do 
May, 176&. 

do 
Oit. 1765. 
do 
May, 1766. 
do 
Oct. 1766. 
do 
May, 1767. 
do 
Oct. 1767. 
do 
May, 1768. 
do 
Oct. 1768. 
do 
May. 1769, 

do 
Oct. 1769. 
do 
May, 1770. 
do 
Oct. 1770. 
do 
May, 1771. 
do 
Oct. 1771. 
do 
May. 1772. 
do 
Oct. 1772. 
do 
May, 1773. 
do 
Oct. 1773. 
do 
May, 1774. 
do 
Oct. 1774. 



DVPUTIEvS TO THt: GENERAL COURT. 



289 



Titus Hosmpv, 


Oct. 1774. 


Matthun- '1 uloott, 


Mav, 1775. 


litu?- Ilosiuer, 


' d(. 


Tifus Hosjuer, 


Oct. 1775. 


John Dickinson, 


do 


I'ltu," Nosnier, 
Comfort i^agc, 


May, 1770. 


T iius Hosuicr, 


Oct. 1770. 


Juliu iJickiiu-on, 


do 


'1 it us Hornier, 


May, 1777. 


Comfort Sage. 


do 


Titus Hosmer, 


Oct 1777, 


Titus H( smer, 


May, 1778. 


J<ihn Dickinson, 


do 


John Dickinson, 


Oct. 1778. 


EIuMifzcr Bacon, 


do 


Martlicw Talcott, 


May. 1779. 


I'omfort 8ajz;e, 


do 


John Dickinson, 


Oct 1779. 


Ebcni'zor Bacon, 


do 


CtinUort Sa<i;e, 


Mav. 1780. 


Matthew Talcott, 


do 


John Dickinson, 


Oct. 1780. 


Ehenf'ztn- Bac'^n, 


do 


Matthew Talcott, 


May. 1781.>-^ 


Dr. .1. Dickinson, 
Comf^.rt Sajre. 


do 

Oct. 1781. 


Matthew 'I'rilcott, 
Comfort -Siji-e, 
Mat(><ew ialcott, 
C'>mfort Sa<i;c, 


do 

May. 1782. 
do 
Oct. 1782. 


Matthew Talcott. 


do 


Comfort Sago. 


Mav. 1783 


P^henezcr Bacon, 


' do 


Comfort Sa<j;c, 


Oct. 1783. 


EhcnczcM- Bacon, 


do 


Comfort Sajie, 


Mav. 1784. 


Samuel H. Parsons, do 


Cotjifort Sapio, 


Oct. 1784. 


Samuel H. Parson 


s, do 


Asher Miller, 


May, 1785. 


Samuel H. Parsons, do 


Comfort Say:e, 


Oct. 1785. 


Ehenezer Bacon, 


do 


Comfort Sa«:;e, 


May. 1786. 



Ehenezer Bacon, Moy, 1 

Comfort '^age, Oct. 1 

Ehenezer Bacon, do 

Georj^c Phillip-, May, 1 

Elijah Hu hoard, do 

Gcor<:;o Phillips, Oct. 1 

Elijah Iluhl-ard, do 

A.vher Miller, May, 1 

Georj^e Phillips, do 

Asher Miller. Oct. 1 

Elijali lluhhard. do 

Asher Milior, May, 1 

Ehenezer Bacon, do 

Samuel W. Dana, Oct. 1 

Elijaii Hubbard, do 

Asher Miller, May. 1 

Samuel VV. l^ana. d(» 

Elijah Hubbard, ' Oct. 1 

Asiier Miller, do 

Elijah Huhhard, Mav, 1 

Asiun- Miil<'r. \\o 

Elijali Hubbard, Oct. 1 

Asiier Milier, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Mav, 1 

Asher Miller, "do 

Elijah Huld.ard, Oct. 1 

A.-iier Miller, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Mav. 1 

Asiier Miilcr, 'do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 1 

Sausnei W. Dana. do 

Elijah Hubbard, May, 1 

Samuel W. Dana, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 1 

Samuel W. Dana, do 

Elijah Hulibard, May, 1 

Samuel W. Dann. d«> 
Ebjah Hubliard, . Oct. 1 

Samuel W. Dana, do 

Elijah Hubbard, May, 1 

Samuel W. Dana, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 1 

Samuel W. Dana, do 
Stephen T. Ho«mer, May, 1 

Elijah Hubbard, do 



* The :>oli of liopveseiitativt's for Ma}- 17S1 is not j;"x-en hi the R(c 
i'l the " tite Iloiipe at. Hartford, but «hc loU as kept hy Gov. Jona 
Trumhu'.l is deposited in the Rooms of the Ct. His. &ociety. 

*25 



•8a. 

'80. 
'87. 
'87. 
■88. 
'88. 
89. 
■89. 
'90. 
'90. 
91. 
'91. 
■92. 
92. 
93. 
93. 
94. 
94. 
95. 
95. 
96. 
96. 
97. 



nrda 
haa 



1^\ 



290 



DEPUTIES TO THE GENERAL COURT. 



Andrew Campbell, Oct. 1797. 

Amos Church, do 

Andrew Campbell, May, 1798. 

Asher Miller, do 

Andrew Campbell, Oct. 1798. 

Ebenezer Bacon, do 

Elijah Hubbard, May, 1799. 

Ebenezer Bacon, do 

John Pratt, Oct. 1799. 

Elijah Hubbard, do 
Stephen T. Hosmer, May, 1800. 

Elijah Hubbard, do 

Ebenezer Bacon, Oct. 1800. 

Jehosaphat Starr, do 

Elijah Hubbard, May, 1801. 

Jehosophat Starr, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 1801. 

Enoch Parsons, do 

Elijah Hubbard, May, 1802. 

Abijah Savage, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 1802. 

Abijah Savage, do 

Elijah Hubbard, May, 1803. 

Enoch Parsons, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 1803. 

Asher Miller, do 

Elijah Hubbard, May, 1804. 

Asher Miller, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 1804. 

Asher Miller, do 

Elijah Hubbard, May, 1805. 

Joshua J' tow, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 1805. 

Joshua Stow, do 

Elijah Hubbard, May, 1806. 

John Pratt, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 1806. 

John Pratt, do 

Elijah Hubbard, May, 1807. 

John Pratt, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 1807. 

John Pratt, do 

Elijah Hubbard, May, 1808. 

John Pratt, do 

Lemuel Storrs, Oct. 1808. 

Jozeb Stocking, do 

John Pratt, May, 1809. 
Chauncey Whittlesey, do 

John Pratt, Oct. 1809. 



Chauncey Whittlesey, do 
E. Sage, May, 1810. 

Chauncey Whittlesey, * do 
E. Sage. bet. 1810. 

Channccv Whittlesey, do 
E. Hubbard, May, 1811. 

Chauncev Whittlesey, do 
E. Hubbard, Oct. 1811. 

Chauncey Whittlesey, do 
E. iTubbard, May, 1812. 

S. Wetmore, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 181^. 
S. Wetmore, do 

Elijah Hubbard, May, 1813. 
S. Wetmore, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 1813. 
S. Wetmore, do 

Elijah Hubbard. May, 1814. 
S. Wetmore, do 

Elijah Hubbard, Oct. 1814. 
Alexander Collins, do 

Elisha Coe, May, 1815. 

Arthur W. Magill, do 
Samuel Gill, Oct. 1815. 

Jozeb Stocking, do 

Samuel CiH, May, 1816. 

Jozeb Stocking, do 

Elisha Coe, Oct. 1816. 

C. Whittlesey, (Jo 

Elisha Coe, May, 1817. 

Nathan Starr, jr. do 

Elisha Coe, Oct. 1817. 

Nathan Starr, jr. do 

John Alsop, May, 1818. 

Nathan Starr, do 

John Alsop, Oct. 1818.. 

Horace Goodrich, do 

Present Constitution in 
operation. Hencefor- 
ward but one election 
yearly. 
John Aisop, May, 1819. 

Elisha Coe, do 

John Alsop, May, 1820. 

Elisha Coe, do 

Seth Paddock, May, 1821. 
Elisha Street, do 

Samuel W. Dana, May, 1822, 
Josiah Savage, do 



iJEPUTIES TO THE GENERAL COURT. 



291 



John Alsop, 
Josiah Savage, 
Minor Ilotchkiss, 
Daniel Rand, 
Daniel Rand, 
Miaor Hotchkiss, 
Daniel Burrows, 
Samuel W. Dana, 
Wm. L. Sforrs, 
Elijah Paddock, 
W. L. Storrs, 
E. Paddock, 
W. L. Storrs, 
E. Jackson, jr. 
E. Jackrion, jr. 
H. Woodward, 
E. Jackson, jr. 
H. Woodward, 
E. Jackson jr. 
Joseph Coc, 
Elijah Paddock, 
Samuel Russell, 
W. L. Storrs, 
"^ Jedediah Wilcox, 
S. K. Wightrnan, 
Wm. Plumb, 
S. K. Wightman, 
Wm. Plumb, 2d. 
5,. K. Wightman, 



May, 1823. 

do 
May, 1824. 

do 
May, 1825. 

do 
May, 182G. 

do 
May, 1827. 

do 
May, 1828. 

do 
May 1829. 

« do 
May, 1830. 

do 
May, 1831. 

do 
May, 1832. 

do 
May, 1833. 

do 
May. 1834. 

do 
May, 1835. 

* do 
May, 183G. 

do 
May, 1837. 



Timothy Savage, do 

Richard Hubbard, May, 1838. 

Eben Wilcox, May, 1838. 
Charles Woodward, May. 1839. 

Henry D. Smith, do 

No choice, May, 1840. 

Noah A. Phelps, May, 1841. 

Wm. Plumb, 2d. do 

S. K. Wightman, May, 1842. 

A'exander Sage, do 

Daniel C. Crowell, May, 1843. 

One vacancy, do 

Elihu Spencer, May, 1844. 

Alfred Hubbard, do 

No choice. May, 1845. 

Ebenezer Jackson, May, 1846. 

Samuel Russell, do 
Charles Woodward, May. 1847. 

Heni-y D. Smith, do 

Edwin Stearns, May, 1848. 

Elihu Spencer, do 

Edwin Stearns, May, 1849. 

Earl Cooley, do 

Noah A . Phelps, May, 1850. 

Joseph Coe, do 

Elihu Spe«ccr, May, 1851. 

Bulklev Kdwards, dp 

Daniel' II. Chase, May, 1852. 
Elisha S. Hubbard, do 



REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL AS. 

SEMBLY FROiVI V.HATHAM. 

In the incorpinatioD oi this town in Oct. 17G7. it was enacted 
that the town shoiiU send only one representative at the pub* 
liu expense, and but one was sent at the sessions the next ycau. 



David Sage, 



David Sage, 



May, 17G8. 

Oct'. do 
David Sago, May. 17G9. 

^Nathaniel Freeman, do 
Ebenezer White, Oet. 17G0. 
Elisha Cornwall, d(» 

Ehenezcr White. May, 1770. 
Nathanirl Freeman, do 
Ehenezer W^liite, Oct. 1770. 
Nathaniel Freeman, ''o 
David Sago. May, 1771. 

Nathaaiel Freeman, do 
Ebenez.M- White, Oct. 1771. 
Natlumiel Freeman, du 
Ehenezer White, May. 1772 
David Sage. 
Ehenezer White, 
Silas Dunham. 
P^benezer White, 
Silas Dunham, 
El>enezer White, 
Silas Dunham, 
Ebunezc r VVliite, 
Silas Dunham, 
Davi<J Sag*;, 
Silas Dunham, 
David Sage. 
Eber ezer White, 
David S:'.gf». 
Ehenezer White, 
H^benezer VVhite, 
John Tenfield. 
Ebetr'zer Wliite, 
John l*enfield. 
Ebonezi'r White, 
John l^.'nfield, 
El)enezer White, 
Ehenezer White, 
John l*enlield, 



do 
Oct. 1772. 

do 

May, 1773. 

d.. 
Oct. 1773. 

do 

May. 1774. 

do 

Oct. 1774. 

do 

May. 1775. 

do 

Oct. 1775. 

do 

May, 1776 

do 

Oct. 177G. 
do 
May. 1777. 

do 

Oct. 1777 
May. 1778 
do 



Silas Dunham, Oct 1778' 

Jeremiah Bradford, do 
John Penfield, May. 1779. 

Joseph Kellogg, do 

Ebenezei- Wliite, Oct. 1779. 
Joseph Kellogg, do 

Ehenezei White, May. 1780. 
Jo.sepli Kellogg, do 

John Pejiticld, Oct. 1780. 

Silas Durdiam. do 

Gov. Trumbull names Mr. 
Jonathan renfield and 
Mr. Eber VVhite. as the 
representatives in May, 
1781. but ('ol. John I en- 
tiidd and Mr. JChenczor 
Wliite. were probably 
the persons intended. 
Ehenezer White, Oct. 1781. 
Chaunccy Buckley. do 
Ehenezer VVhite, May, 1782. 
Chaimcey Buckley, do 
Mos<'s Bar tie tt, Oct. 1782, 

James Bilt. do 

Ehenezer White, May. 1783, 
James Bill, do 

Ebenpzer White, Oct. 1783. 
Chauncey Buckley. do 
Ehenezer VVhite, May, 1784. 
(.'hauiurey HucKley, do 
Ehenezer White, Oct. 1784. 
Jamvs Bill, do 

Joseph Blake, May. 1785. 

Chauncey Buckley, do 
Ehenezer White. Oct. 1785* 
Brvan I'armelee, do 

F»u>nezer White, May. 1786. 
Flijah Smi h. do 

Ehenezer VVhite, Oct. 1786, 



DEPUTIES TO THE GENERAL COURT. 



293 



Cbauncey Buckley, Oct. 1786. 
John Penfield, May, 1787. 

James Bill, do 

John Penfield, Oct. 1787. 

James Bill, do 

Ebenezer White, May, 1788, 
Chauncey Buckley, do 

Ebenezer White, Oct. 1788. 
Chauncey Bucklev, do 

John Penfield, " May, 1789. 
James Bill, do 

Ebenezer White, Oct. 1789. 
John Penfield, do 

Hezekiah Goodrich, May, 1790, 
James Bill, do 

Hezekiah Goodrich, Oct. 1790. 
James Bill, do 

Ebenezer White, May, 1791. 
Chauncey Buckley, do 

Hezekiah Goodrich, Oct. 1791. 
Chauncey Buckley, do 

Hezekiah Goodrich, May, 1792. 
James Bill, do 

Hezekiah Goodrich, Oct. 1792. 
Chauncey Buckley, do 

Hezekiah Goodrich, May, 1793. 
Chauncey Buckley, do 

Hezk. Goodrich, Oct. 1793. 
Timothy Rogers, do 

Hezk. Goodrich, May, 1794. 
Timothy Rogers, do 

Hez'k. Goodrich, Oct. 1794. 
Hez^k. Goodrich, May, 1795. 
Joseph Sage, do 

Hez,k. Goodrich, Oct. 1795. 
James Bill, do 

Hez-k. Goodrich, May, 1796. 
Chauncey Buckley, do 

Hez^k. Goodrich, Oct 1796. 
Moses Cock, do 

Hezk. Goodrich, May, 1797. 
Moses Cook. do 

Daniel Shepherd, jr- Oct. 1797. 
Chauncey Buckley, do 

Dan 1. Shepherd, jr. May, 1798. 
James Bill, do 

Hez-k. Goodrich, Oct, 1798. 
James Bill, do 



Hez'k. Goodrich, May, 1799. 
Chauncey Buckley, do 
Seth Overton, Oct. 1799, 
Stephen Griffith, do 

Seth Overton, May, 1800. 

Robert Usher, do 

Hez^k. Goodrich, Oct. 1800. 
Chauncey Buckley, do 
rlez'k. Goodrich, May, 1801. 
Moses Cook, do 

Hez'k. Goodrich, Oct. 1801. 
Charles Buckley, - do 
The S. Records say Charles 

but Chauncey Buckley 

is probabl}^ intended. 
Hezk. Goodrich, May, 1802. 
Bryant Parmelee, do 

Hez'k. Goodrich, Oct. 1802. 
David Clarke. do 

Hez'k. Goodrich, May, 1803. 
David Clarke, do 

Enoch Sage, Oct. 1803. 

John H. Strong, do 

Enoch Sage, Ma}', 1804. 

John H. Strong, do 

Enoch Sage, " Oct. 1804. 
Robert Usher, do 

Hez'k. Goodrich, May. 1805. 
Robert Usher, do 

Hez'k. Goodrich, Oct. 1805. 
Benjamin Hurd, do 

Hez'k. Goodrich, May, 1806. 
Benjamin Hurd, do 

Enoch Sage, Oct. 1806. 

Nathaniel Markum, do 
Daniel Cheeney, May, 1807. 
Nathaniel Markum, do 
Daniel Cheeney, Oct. 1807. 
Jonathan Bo-.vers, do 

Isaac Conkling, May, 1808. 
Jonathan Bowers, do 

Abel Penfield, Oct. 18oa. 

Jesse Hurd, do 

Abel Penfield, May, 1809. 

Benjamin Hurd, do 

Hez'k. Goodrich, Oct. 1809. 
Constant Welch, do 

Hezk. Goodrich, May, 1810, 



294 



DEPUTIES TO THE GENKRAL COURT. 



Benjamin llurd, May, 1810 
Hez k. Goodrich, Oct. 181U 
Benjamin J lard, do 

Hez k. Goodrich, May. 1811 
Jabez Comstock, do 

Hezk. Goodrich, Oct. 1811 
James Ccjmstoek, do 

Hezk. Goodrich, May, 1812 
Benjamin Hurd, do 

Abel Penfield. Oct 1812 

Benjamin Huid, do 

Asahe! H. Strong, May. 1813 
Jesse Hurd. do 

Asahel H. Strong, Oct. 1813 
David Churohill, do 

Aisaliei II. .Strong, May. 1814 
Stephen Griffith. do 

No represent:itives record- 
ed tm S. Records from 
Ciiatham. Oct. 1814. 

Samuel Hall, May, 1815. 

Joseph Dart, do 

Samuel Hall, Oct. 1815. 

Jcseph Dart. do 

Enoch Sa;i;e, May, 181G. 

Nehemiah Gate.s, do 

Enoch Sa.i;e, Oct. 181G. 

Nehemiah (jates, do 

Enoch Sage Miiy. 1817. 

Benjamin Hurd, do 

Emich Sage, Oct. 1817. 

Benjamin Hurd, do 

Eno'di Sajre, May, 1818 

Neheniiah Gates, do 

The delegates to the Con- 
vention which formed 
the pre.<!cnt Constitution 
of the State, meeting in 
Aug this year vverC; 
Enoch Sage, and 
Eenjamimin Hurd, 
Enoch Sage. Oct. 1818 

Nehemiah Gates, do 

Delegates to the Assembly 
under the new constitu- 
tion, one regular session 
annuallj'. 
Enoch Sage, May, 1819. 



Benjamin Hurd, May. 1819. 
Enoch Sage, May. 1820. 

Nehemiah Gates, do 

George White, May. 1821: 
Ira Lee do 

Nathan. 1. Markum, May, 1822. 
Guy Cooper, do 

Guy Coojier, May. 1823. 

Ralph Smith, do 

Philip Sage. May, 1824. 

Nathaniel Markum. jr. 
Philip Sage. May, 1825. 

IJalph Smith, do 

F. G. Comstock, May, 1826. 
Ralpii Sn)ith, do 

Elijah Colton, May, 1827, 

Nathaniel Markum. jr. 
Guy Cooper. May. 1828. 

John Stewart, jr. do 

Guy Cooper. ivLsy. Ir'29. 

Natiianiel Markum. do 
IMidip Sage. May, 1830. 

Jo!in Stewart, do 

Jo>ep!i Hall. May, 1831. 

Nathiiniel Mj'.r'.cum. do 
David Williams, May. 1832. 
.lohn Markum. do 

David Williams May. 1833. 
N:ithanie! C. Smith, do 
Seldon Co k, May, 1834, 

John Maikum. jr. IMav. 1834. 
^elden Cook. May. 1835. 

Lr.zarus Watrous, do 

Guy Coper. May. 1836. 

!ohn Markum. jr. do 

Eilward Lewis, May. 1837. 
' -zarn-* Watrous, do 

Edward Lewis, May, 1838. 
ohn Markum. do 

Villiam R Smith, May. 1839. 
Francis Voung, do 

William R. Smith, May. 1840. 
Bradtlock Strong, do 

Ralph Goodrich, May. 1841. 
Elijah (lark, do 

Braddock Strong, May. 1842. 
Elijah Clark, do 

Cyrus Hurd, May. 1843. 



DEPUTIES TO THE GENERAL COURT. 



295 



Dan B. Niles, 
Cyrus Hard, 
Lewis Utley, 
Hiram Markum, 
William Bcvin, 
Hiram Markum, 
William G. Buell, 
Charles Jacobs, 
William G. Bucll, 
Alfred Brooks, 



May, 184B. 
May. 1844. 

do 
May. 1845. 

do 
May, 184G. 

d<. 
May, 1847. 

do 
May. 1848. 



Nathaniel C. Smith, May. 1848 
Levi Bunco, May. 1849. 

Nathaniel C. Smith. do 
Levi Bunce. May. 1850. 

Nathaniel C. Smith. do 
John Markum. jr. May. 1851. 
Anias^a Carponier, do 

Mart n Boherts, May. 1852. 
William Bevin, do 



REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL AS- 
SEMBLY FROM PORTLAND. 

Portland, made a town in Oct. 1842, has sent the following 
representatives. 



Kellogg Strong, 
Erastus Brainerd, 
Archibald Kinney, 
Russell Penfield, 
Russell Benficld, 



May, 1843. 
do 1844. 
do 1845. 
do ]y4Cy 
do 1847. 



Alfred Hall, May, 1848. 

Joseph Hall, do 1849. 

William H. Bartlett, do 1850 
Alfred Hall, do 1851* 

Alfred Hall, do 1852" 



In these catalogues we have a large proportion of the promi- 
nent and influential men in Middletown, Cromwell. Chatham, 
and Portland. Some of these are mentioned in the address and 
some in the notes. Robert Warner, one of the first settlers, 
held many offices of trust, lie died April 10, IG'JO. Many were 
in the conimi.«<sion of the peace, as appears from lists of justices 
already given, not a few held their commissions by succesNive 
and long continued appointments. Jalcz Hamlin and Seih 
V etmore were justices of the Quorum for Hartford county be- 
fore Middlesex County was Airmed. John Hamlin and Jabez 
Hamlin were judges of ibat cmirt as slated in the sketi lies of 
them. Lemuel Storrs, Lhenezer White. Selh Overtc.-n and F. G. 
Comstock were justices of the Quorum for Middlesex County. 
John Stewart h;is been a judge of the County court, and a rep- 
resentative in ihtf Congress of the United States. A large num- 
ber of the representatives were honored with miliary commiss- 
ions and their titles are very geneially given (-n jublic records, 
Avhile the people were e.vposed to attncks from th<! Indiwns and 
to colonial wars. High nuHtary tith's af jicar en records in tha 
Revolution and years afterwards. In early limes military men 
passed slowly from one jii-ade to another. So Nathani<'l White, 
the patriarch of the Upper Houses is ntled ensign in 1CG7, licMi- 
tenant 1G70, and captain in Oct. 1G90. 






The absence of the Author of this "Address," his distant residence 
jyijd the consequent difficulty in having the proofs critically read, have oc- 
casioned some errors, especially in dates. The publisher therefore, being 
fvilly aware of the value of accuracy in this respect, has been induced to 
append the following list of 

ERRATA. 

Page 139, fourth name from bottom for Mamphahelh, read Wamphaneh. 

'' 159, 11th lino from bottom, after Nov. 5th insert^t'e thousand. 

«« 166, 15th line from top, for 1813 read 1713. 

♦« 176, for P=^S read Pp 1L0,81, 

" 181, 10th line from top, for 1052 read 1852. 

" 189, 8th line from bottom, for 1286 read 1836. 

" 194, 13th line from bottom, for 1312 read 1812. 
I^ote to page 100. Mr. Dana died July 21, 1830, at the age of 70. 

" " " 248. Dr. Hand practised in Upper Middletown, about iSv© 
years ; from 1811 to 1815 inclusive. 
S'^g% 253, for Shamga read Shamgar. 

" 283. The name of the great j)ond in East Hampton, has been 
generally spelt PocotcfO^ue. 



^-.>^^, 



